Respecting and supporting parents in feeding their babies - BSNA responds to Daily Mail article on use of infant formula and babyfoods

Responding to the Daily Mail article, 'Formula milk is fuelling obesity': Sugary baby foods and lack of breastfeeding could be a health timebomb, top doctor warns' (13 May 2021), Declan O'Brien, Director General at BSNA said:

"Infant formula and baby foods are highly regulated to safeguard the quality, safety, nutritional composition, and ensure appropriate marketing of products. Our members recognise breastfeeding is the best way to feed an infant and is important for both mother and baby’s health and wellbeing.

"However it should be made clear that no infant formula in the UK has added sugar and there is no conclusive evidence to support a relationship between obesity and formula feeding .

"The majority of commercially available infant foods contain no added sugar or salt, and commercial baby foods make up only 14% of total sugar intake for infants between 4-9 months old, falling to 9% for toddlers aged 10-18 months. According to the PHE report in June 2019 on commercial baby foods, baby meals, which make up more than 80% of volume sales for the category, contain an average sugar content of less than 7%.

"BSNA members believe all parents should feel respected in their decision on how to feed their baby and be supported to provide a balanced diet whatever form of food they give their children."