Allergens weaning: what is missing from commercial baby food?

Abstract

Background. Current recommendations for infant weaning suggest introducing common food allergens by the age of 12 months. While homemade meals are advisable, there is a notable demand for commercially available complementary foods (CACF). Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests a potential link between the consumption of ultra-processed products and the incidence of allergic diseases. This study aimed to examine the presence of the fourteen main food allergens in CACF ingredients through label analysis and evaluate their extent of processing. Methods. Between January and February 2024, labels of all CACF found in infant feeding sections of 10 Portuguese grocery retailers were analyzed. CACF were categorized based on the NOVA food classification system's processing levels. Milk formulas, products for children over 15 months, and those for children with food allergies or intolerances were excluded Results. Of the 492 products analysed, 132 contained wheat and 112 contained milk. 16 products included fish and 6 contained egg. Soy was listed as an ingredient in 11 products, mainly as soy lecithin. Only 2 product contained nuts, and 1 product contained peanuts. None of the products contained the remaining six allergens. The majority of milk- and wheat-containing products were classified as ultra-processed and contained added sugars and/or sweeteners. Conclusions. Despite the current guidelines, commercial baby foods often lack major allergens, namely nuts and peanuts, eggs, and shellfish. Our results underscore the need for healthy, age-appropriate, minimally processed products that incorporate rather than exclude major food allergens.