Artificial flavourings in South African baby foods may mislead parents, study finds
Research from Stellenbosch University highlights the need for stricter regulations on commercial baby foods to protect young consumers.
Image: file
A new study from Stellenbosch University has found that many packaged foods marketed for South African babies and toddlers contain artificial flavourings that could shape children’s taste preferences in unhealthy ways and even breach local food labelling laws.
Published in the journal Maternal & Child Nutrition, the study examined so-called commercial complementary foods (CCFs) such as cereals, porridges, and baby drinks — sold in supermarkets, pharmacies and baby stores across the country. Researchers photographed product labels and contacted manufacturers to identify which flavourings were being used and whether they complied with regulations.
“Our study shows that about a third (36.2%) of CCFs contained flavourings, with just over three quarters (75.9%) of these containing one and the remainder up to three flavourings,” the researchers said.
“Almost 84.2% of baby cereals and porridges contained flavourings. The flavourings in CCFs were primarily of sweet flavours (more than 80%) with vanilla being the most prevalent flavour. Other flavours include caramel, chocolate, honey, and rooibos.”
They warned that marketing strategies may be misleading parents and caregivers. “While all flavouring‐containing CCFs indicated flavourings correctly in their ingredient lists, a small percentage of CCF names and/or descriptors were misleading to parents and caregivers by implying the products contain certain real ingredients, not just flavourings of these ingredients, "the researchers stated
The researchers further detailed this kind of marketing may result in children developing a preference for certain flavours over acceptance of the specific foods.
The study also found widespread non-compliance with South African labelling laws. “Just over half (51%) of CCFs complied with all South African labelling regulations relating to flavourings and more than three quarters (78.3%) violated regulations relating to non‐addition claims,” they said.
Calling for better oversight, the team emphasised: “We also need stronger national mechanisms to ensure that food manufacturers fully comply with all aspects of food safety regulations.”
The researchers said the findings likely extend to neighbouring African markets, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulation and enforcement to safeguard infant and child nutrition.
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