Overview

• New voluntary guidance sets defined nutrient limits for infant foods, with an 18‑month window for companies to comply before tougher action is considered.
• Targets include less than 10g total sugar per 100g for desserts and breakfasts, and no more than 60mg of salt per 100 calories for meals, rising to 100mg if cheese is included.
• Manufacturers are told to reformulate without sweeteners, which are not permitted in commercial baby food.
• Labelling rules aim to curb misleading claims such as “contains no nasties” and to stop snack branding that conflicts with NHS advice for six‑to‑12‑month‑olds.
• Officials cite survey data showing most toddlers consume too much sugar and over a fifth of four‑ to five‑year‑olds are overweight or obese, while campaigners and researchers say voluntary measures are insufficient and urge mandatory standards.