Time to solve childhood obesity: an independent report by the Chief Medical Officer

BSNA members welcome Dame Sally Davies’ report and support her vision to help all children get a healthy start in life. BSNA members believe it is by working in close partnership with all stakeholders, including industry, that progress on infant diet and health will be achieved.

The infant formula and baby foods industries are regulated to safeguard the quality, safety, nutritional composition, and appropriate communication and labelling of products for infants and young children. The majority of commercially available infant food products contain no added sugar or salt, and the industry has already undertaken significant reformulation of our products. In the case of baby meals, which make up more than 80% of sales by volume, companies have made an average sugar reduction of 23% since 2016.

Our members recognise breastfeeding is the best way to feed an infant and is important for both mother and baby’s health and well-being.In 2018 member companies adopted an industry code of practice which affirms their commitment to the principles and aims of the WHO Code as implemented through national legislation.

BSNA members believe all parents should feel respected and supported in their decision on how to feed their baby and are pleased that Dame Sally recognises that parents who choose or need to bottle feed should be supported.

The full report can be read here.