Baby Food Research Articles

Ergot alkaloids: comparison of extraction efficiencies for their monitoring in several cereal-solvent combinations by UPLC-MS/MS.

To date, there are more than 80 ergot alkaloids identified; their distribution depends on different factors (e.g. geographic regions, host plants). These toxins can cause acute and chronic toxic effects on human health and commonly infect cereal crops such as triticale and rye, wheat, barley and oats. Considering the growing consumption of plant-based foods, the European Food Safety Authority has highlighted the need to develop risk assessment strategies. This work focused on the optimization of extraction efficiency, to quantify the main ergot alkaloids and their epimers, that are available on the market without any legal restriction (ergosine, ergocristine, ergocriptyne, ergocornine, ergosinine, ergocristinine, ergocriptinine and ergocorninine). Considering the quantification of 8 out of 12 regulated compounds by EU (sum of -ine and -inine forms), this approach can be defined as a screening method for a reliable estimation of the risk, specifically devoted to industrial stakeholders that can then possibly outsource to authorized external labs only the samples suspected of significant positivity. The effectiveness of three different extraction conditions (acidic, alkaline and neutral) followed by a rapid clean-up using dispersive solid-phase extraction with C18 sorbent was evaluated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), resulting in a short chromatographic run (16min). The method was developed and validated in five different cereal production chains (rye, oat, wheat, wheat gluten and baby food). The applicability of the method was examined by analyzing a set of 54 samples, including also other cereals like spelt, tritordeum and triticale, and evaluating also some reference materials.

Infant and young child feeding practices among conflict-affected Ukrainian households: A cross-sectional survey in Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa regions.

Infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) are crucial for children's growth and development but often deteriorate during periods of instability. A cross-sectional survey conducted in three oblasts of Ukraine-Kyiv City and Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa-enroled 724 children 0-23 months of age from 699 households. Using global WHO IYCF Guidelines, 12 indicators of optimal IYCF practices were evaluated. The study found IYCF practices to be relatively stable since 2015, despite the continued escalation of conflict, with an improvement in exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). EBF was reported by 51% of mothers, while breastfeeding was initiated early in 65% of children. Complementary feeding practices were optimal for most children, with 79% having a minimum acceptable diet. Infant formula assistance was independently associated with suboptimal breastfeeding practices in multi-variable models. Children from households that received formula assistance had 67% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.73) lower odds of being exclusively breastfed, 65% (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20-0.61) lower odds of continued breastfeeding at 12 months, and 3.3 times (95% CI 2.31-4.78) higher odds of being bottlefed. Baby food assistance did not independently predict a minimum acceptable diet. High levels of optimal complementary feeding sustained since 2015 suggest protective factors for child nutrition in Ukraine, such as domestic agriculture and social safety nets. Additionally, maternal education was consistently linked to better IYCF outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted support for less-educated mothers. The negative association of formula assistance with EBF warrants further research alongside reinforcement of guidelines to prevent inappropriate formula targeting.

Proportional Contribution of the Women, Infant and Children's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program on Pregnant Women's Diet Quality

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the proportional contribution of the special Women’s Infant and Children Food Package V for pregnant women (WIC) supplementation on pregnant women’s diet quality. Methods: Image-based diet data collection using FoodFoto™ from 63 primigravid women with singleton pregnancies in Baltimore, Maryland receiving the special WIC Food Package V for pregnant women was converted to Healthy Eating Index - 2015 (HEI-2015) total and component diet quality scores. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the total and component HEI diet quality scores. Independent t-tests and linear regression models were used to assess the contributions that the percent of WIC food in the diet and sociodemographic and health characteristics had on the components and the overall HEI score. Results: The data showed a 1% rise in WIC approved foods in the diet was associated with a significant increase in the on the HEI-2015 score (b=0.77, t=6.35, p<0.001). Higher diet quality scores were accounted for by increased consumption of four HEI components representing healthy foods and significantly lower sodium intake. Furthermore, the healthy food component scores and fatty acids ratio were at or above the 50th percentile. Conclusion: Small increases in consumption of WIC approved foods significantly improved diet quality among pregnant women in the program.

Assessing the Compliance of Complementary Food Labeling Practices in Niger with International Guidelines

Optimal infant and young child feeding practices are among the specific interventions implemented during the first 1,000 days to prevent malnutrition. They include exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months after birth and continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years or more, and appropriate complementary feeding practices between 6 and 36 months. However, inappropriate labeling practices for complementary foods intended for children under 2 years of age could impact on parents' or guardians' choices. The aim of this study was to assess the conformity of labelling practices for complementary foods marketed in Niger. A survey was carried out at various sales outlets to identify all types of complementary foods sold in Niamey. The European nutrient profile model developed by WHO in 2019 was used to assess the compliance of the complementary foods surveyed with the model's requirements in terms of labeling practices. A total of 20 outlets selling complementary foods, corresponding to 85 complementary foods, were selected after elimination of repetitions. In terms of nutritional composition, 12.9% of imported supplements met this requirement. No local supplements complied, compared with 25% of supplements imported from Nigeria. Compliance is 100% for the requirement for legibility of the label and clarity of the product name, and 89.4% for the presentation of a clear list of ingredients on the label. The label is the interface between customers and products. It must be presentable and provide all the product information needed to guide the customer's choice. Our results will guide the government in creating national guideline for infant foods.

Low-cost digital colorimetric sensor for rapid on-site determination of ascorbic acid in vegetable- and fruit-based purees and juices

Ascorbic acid is essential for human health due to its potent antioxidant properties; however, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects. This has created a high demand for simple and cost-effective analytical techniques to determine this analyte outside of laboratory settings for food quality control. In this study, a portable colorimetric sensor was developed for the quantitative on-site determination of ascorbic acid. The technique is based on the reduction of phosphorus heteropoly acid by ascorbic acid, resulting in the formation of a blue-colored product. The heteropoly acid was immobilized on a polymer template in the sensor's indicator zone with menthol used as an environmentally friendly extractant to enhance the device’s stability and extend its shelf life. The colorimetric sensor demonstrated reliable detection with a low limit of detection of 5mgkg-1, calculated based on a blank test using 3σ. Under optimized conditions, the linear detection range was 15-150mgkg-1. The disposable sensors were applied to determine ascorbic acid in fruit and vegetable juices and purees for baby food, with recovery rates between 88 and 110%. This easy-to-produce and ready-to-use technique presents significant potential for mass on-site screening of ascorbic acid in food samples.

A Closer Look at Infant Food Safety: A Comprehensive Review Comparing Contaminants across Different Food Sources

A Closer Look at Infant Food Safety: A Comprehensive Review Comparing Contaminants across Different Food Sources

Assessment of Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) as a Novel Food for Use in Food and Food Supplements (RP2101)

Chr. Hansen, Denmark (“the applicant”) submitted a novel food application for the authorisation of lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) as a novel food to each nation of Great Britain in September 2023. The novel food is intended to be used as a source of human identical milk oligosaccharide, LNT, and is manufactured by microbial fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and then refined to yield the purified powder. This new application is seeking to use the novel food within the following food categories: food for special medical purposes and food supplements for the general population including those for vulnerable groups (pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly); food for infants and young children including infant formula and follow-on formula. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added LNT or breast milk are consumed the same day. This novel food had its application for authorisation assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was published in March 2022. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have reviewed the information available, including the EFSA opinion, and confirmed that LNT is safe under the proposed conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and proposed use in food and food supplements was not considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous. This safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.

Substantiation of safety and quality indicators of natural mineral and spring waters in Ukraine for the preparation of food for infants

The object of the research is regulatory support for the use of natural mineral waters and spring waters for the preparation of food for infants. Along with drinking water, natural mineral water is used for the preparation of food for infants, which is more protected from contamination. Currently, there are no approved safety parameters for natural mineral waters and spring waters in Ukraine, as well as requirements for markings on packaging or labeling that relate to the suitability of these waters for feeding infants. In this work, based on the results of the analysis of the current legal documents of European countries (Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany) on the use of natural mineral waters in the preparation of food for infants, the indicators of the safety and quality of natural mineral and spring waters in Ukraine in the preparation of food are substantiated food for infants. Because of the specific physiological needs of children at an early age, water for cooking is an important factor in their normal psychophysical development. Water for preparing infant food must meet stricter criteria for total mineralization (suggested: ≤500 mg/l), the content of certain macro-components, nitrites (suggested: ≤0.1 mg/l), nitrates (suggested: ≤10 mg/l), ammonium (suggested: ≤0.1 mg/l), fluorides (suggested: ≤0.7 mg/l), sanitary and microbiological indicators (suggested normalization of the indicator of the total microbial number in the finished product). The peculiarities of the technology of industrial packaging of natural mineral waters and spring waters for the preparation of infant food are outlined. These waters are packaged only non-carbonated, without the addition of any preservatives or disinfectants. Packaging of these waters should take place near water points, which should be reliably protected from biological and chemical contamination. The obtained results can be used for the development and approval of a normative legal act in Ukraine on the regulation of the use of natural mineral waters and spring waters for the preparation of infant food.

Assessment of 3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL) as a Novel Food for Use in Food and Food Supplements (RP2106)

Chr. Hansen, Denmark (“the applicant”) submitted a novel food application for the authorisation of 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) as a novel food to each nation of Great Britain in September 2023. The novel food is intended to be used as a source of human identical milk oligosaccharide, 3-FL, and is manufactured by microbial fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and then refined to yield the purified powder. This new application is seeking to use the novel food within the following food categories: food for special medical purposes and food supplements for the general population including those for vulnerable groups (pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly); food for infants and young children including infant formula and follow-on formula. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added 3-FL or breast milk are consumed the same day. This novel food had its application for authorisation assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was published in May 2022. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have reviewed the information available, including the EFSA opinion, and confirmed that 3-FL was safe under the proposed conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and proposed use in food and food supplements was not considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous. This safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.

PERBANDINGAN PIJAT WOOLWICH DAN PIJAT OKSITOSIN TERHADAP PRODUKSI ASI IBU POSTPARTUM DI PMB X KAMPAR

Breast milk is a white liquid produced by the mother's breast glands through the breastfeeding process and is one of the best foods for babies. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Woolwich massage and oxytocin massage on breast milk production in postpartum mothers at PMB Bd. Fuchia Yulivel Asneldy, S.Tr.Keb., M.H (Kes). This type of research is Pre-Experiment research with a Two group pretest-posttest research design. The research was conducted in May-July 2024. The population in this study was all postpartum mothers at PMB Bd. Fuchia Yulivel Asneldy, S.Tr.Keb., M.H (Kes) total sample of 32 respondents with purposive sampling technique using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and the Mann Whitney Test. The results of this research showed that breast milk production before the Woolwich massage was 55.00 ml and after the Woolwich massage 365.00 ml and before the oxytocin massage 59.38 ml and after the Oxytocin massage 365.75 ml. The p-value obtained for the Woolwich Massage was 0.000425<0.05 while the p-value for the Oxytocin Massage was 0.000413<0.05 while the comparison for the Woolwich massage was 15.41 ml and the comparison for the oxytocin massage was 17.59 ml with a difference of 2.18 ml then Ho is accepted and Ha is rejected, meaning there is a difference in Woolwich Massage and Oxytocin Massage on breast milk production in postpartum mothers in PMB Bd. Fuchia Yulivel Asneldy, S.Tr.Keb., M.H (Kes) Kualu Village, Tambang District, Kampar Regency.

Description of Parenting Patterns and Sanitation Hygiene in Families with Stunted Infants in Selemadeg Barat, Selemadeg, and Selemadeg Timur

Stunting is the impaired growth and development of children due to chronic malnutrition and repeated infections, characterized by below-standard length or height. The prevalence rate of stunting in Tabanan Regency in 2022 is 8.2%. The purpose of the study in general was to determine the description of parenting patterns and sanitation hygiene in families with stunted children in West Selemadeg, Selemadeg, and East Selemadeg sub-districts. This study is a descriptive study, the sampling technique was carried out by the total sampling method with a research instrument in the form of a questionnaire. Data analysis used in this study was univariate analysis. The results showed that the category of good parenting was 31% and poor parenting was 69%. Hygiene sanitation of stunted baduta is entirely in the good category. The conclusion of this research is that parenting patterns are in the poor category and sanitation hygiene is in the good categori. The suggestion from this research is to examine further the factors related to parenting pattern for toddlers and as a study for an initial survey before providing PMT subsidies. The care provided by baduta mothers should be paid attention and increase the need for food for infants that contains adequate consumption of nutrients with a composition that is in accordance with the Nutrition Adequacy Rate (AKG). Monitor growth and development since the baby is in the womb regularly so that it grows optimally.

Development of curd for children from sheep milk with berries: improvement of nutritional and functional properties

The development of functional products for children based on sheep's milk with the addition of berries is a pressing issue in the field of baby food. The object of this study is baby curds based on sheep's milk with the addition of berries. The task that this study solves is to improve the nutritional and organoleptic characteristics of baby products made from sheep's milk since pure sheep's milk without additives has a specific smell and taste, which reduces its attractiveness to children. The results of the study showed that the addition of berries (chokeberry, raspberry, strawberry) significantly improves the taste and aromatic properties of curds. Children preferred curds with berries since they had a creamy-berry aroma, while curds without additives retained the characteristic smell and taste of sheep's milk. It was also found that the addition of berries increased the antioxidant activity of the product due to enrichment with vitamins (especially vitamin C) and dietary fiber. By adding berries to the curds, it was possible to increase the nutritional value, improve the taste characteristics and increase the digestibility of the product. These results solve the problem of low consumer appeal of sheep milk-based products. The results could be used in the production of functional dairy products for children, especially for creating products with increased antioxidant potential and improved organoleptic characteristics. Such curds can be in demand under conditions of mass production for children, as they improve the nutritional value and increase consumer appeal due to taste improvements.

Validation of the Peel Plate Staphylococcus Aureus (SA) Test for Enumeration of S. aureus in Selected Foods and Non-cultured Dairy Products: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 082401.

The microbial testing platform, Peel Plate™, was developed with Baird Parker ingredients for Staphylococcus aureus (SA) specificity. After rehydrating with 1 mL of the diluted food sample, Peel Plate SA is incubated for 24-48 h at 35-37 °C and observed for purple colonies. A validation study was performed to evaluate Peel Plate SA for enumeration of S. aureus in selected foods and non-cultured dairy products for Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) certification. Peel Plate SA was evaluated in inclusivity/exclusivity and matrix studies, product consistency, stability, and robustness testing. Non-fat dried milk, frozen raw cod fish, corned beef, frozen raw vegetables, potato salad, vegetable soup, frozen unshelled raw shrimp and baby food (apple, cinnamon, and granola) were evaluated in the matrix studies comparing Peel Plate SA to U.S. and international reference methods. Three levels of contamination along with non-inoculated controls were tested for each matrix. Peel Plate SA detected 49 of 50 S. aureus isolates tested. Of the 38 exclusivity species tested, none were detected. In the matrix studies, the Peel Plate SA results were determined to be equivalent to the reference method results by paired statistical analysis. In an accelerated stability study, the shelf-life of Peel Plate SA was shown to be stable for 12 months. Equivalence was demonstrated between different production lots. Small changes to critical test parameters did not significantly affect the Peel Plate SA results. Peel Plate SA is a ready-to-use method for enumeration of S. aureus in a variety of foods and non-cultured dairy products. As with reference methods, colonies Peel Plate SA colonies should be isolated and confirmed with differentiation tests such as catalase and strong coagulase positive. The data were reviewed by the PTM Program and certification was granted for the Peel Plate SA method PTM 082401.

Characterization of Beer Produced with the Addition of Brown Macroalgae Fucus virsoides

Marine macroalgae are organisms rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and various minerals. Macroalgae are increasingly being added to the human diet precisely because they contain useful compounds that can also be used in the pharmaceutical industry. Previous research describes their addition to meat products, yogurt, bread, and baby food. However, data on the addition of algae to beer have been scarce. The goal of this work was to produce beer with the addition of brown macroalgae (Fucus virsoides) from the Adriatic Sea. In addition, the basic physical–chemical parameters (color, pH, ethanol, extract, and polyphenols) were determined. The most important premise is the transfer of selenium (Se) to beer, since Se is deficient in human food chain. The transfer of different metals, namely, S (sulfur), Mg (magnesium), P (phosphorus), K (potassium), Ca (calcium), Cr (chromium), Mn (manganese), Fe (iron), Co (cobalt), Ni (nickel), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc), As (arsenic), Se (selenium), Mo (molybdenum), Cd (cadmium), Hg (mercury), and Pb (lead), from algae to beer was determined using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP−MS). The results, however, were not satisfactory regarding metal transfer. In particular, Se was detected in beer, but other metals such as As, Cd, and Pb were not. Alga addition contributed to extract values, and the original extract reached 14.3 °P in wort with alga addition, as opposed to 12.8 °P in the control sample. Such high extract content, however, resulted in beer with low alcohol content, <4% v/v for both beers. This could be explained by the high levels of unfermentable extract. pH values showed statistical difference between samples, meaning that the addition of algae significantly affected the pH value of beer, reducing acidity by almost 5%.

Infant Food Flours Made from Local Products to Combat Acute Malnutrition in Children Under 5 Years Old in Côte D’ivoire

In Côte d'Ivoire, recurring stock shortages and difficulties in accessing specialized food products compromise nutritional treatment. This study proposes food formulas of flours composed of locally available products capable of meeting the protein-energy needs of children aged 6 to 59 months diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition. The methodological approach consists of formulating and determining the physicochemical, nutrient, and functional characteristics of four new formulations (1F, 2F, 3F, 4F, and 5F). The results indicate that the formulated foods have high levels of calcium (215.60-252,29 mg/100g MS), potassium (555,70-789,29 mg/100 g MS), magnesium (261,26-200,63 mg/100g MS), iron (4,86-7,03 mg/100g MS) and phosphorus (392,36 -469,36 mg/100g MS). The fat content varies from 9.66% to 23.86%. The energy value determined for all flours corresponds well to the Codex. The food formulas developed would also be able to meet more than 100% of the daily requirement of vitamins E and B1. The phytate (180.26 - 227.05 mg/100 g) and oxalate (66.00 - 88.00 mg/100 g) contents are low. The presence of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids (7.78-15.44 mg/100 g) and antioxidant activity (31.09-32.84%) would be a significant asset. The levels of deoxynivalenol (62 μg/kg) recorded in flours are below 200 μg/kg recommended for infants and young children. The proposed formulations have high-water absorption capacity (136.15 -252.94%) and high solubility index (56.84 -59.2%). The wettability time ranges from 3.66 ± 0.16 s to 33.71 ± 0.23 s. Flours (1F, 2F, 3F, 5F) have a better absorption capacity for refined palm oil (132 %, 139 %, 121 %; 115 %). The proposed new formulations have nutritional characteristics close to standard data and could therefore be recommended for children aged 6 to 59 months for complementary feeding in the context of the fight against moderate acute malnutrition.

Scurvy-Anow forgotten previously widespread disease

From the sea voyages of the fifteenth century often lasting for years with provisions only of fish, salted meat and biscuits reports came of fatal health alterations of the seamen which were characterized by prostration, loss of teeth and bad breath.Reports on comparable endemic illnesses soon came from the Netherlands, North Germany, the Baltic area, France, Lorraine, Geneva, Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, Swabia and Russia: the so-called land scurvy. The first medical specification was found in aletter from 1541 by Johann Echt to colleges in the area of Lower Germany, which was published four times. One of the first comprehensive considerations was prepared by the English physician James Lind. Scurvy was also mostly published under many local names, such as Skorbut, Scharbock or Scheurbuik.The pathology of scurvy is dominated by gingival necrosis with loss of teeth, hemorrhages with destruction of the cartilage-bone border especially of the ribs and by subperiosteal hemorrhages of the ribs and long bones.For treatment and prevention of scurvy eating green plants as originally Ficaria verna (lesser celandine, pilewort), Chelidonium majus (great celandine, nipplewort, tetterwort) and Cochlearia officinalis (scurvy grass) proved to be effective. Where green plants were missing decoctions of conifer needles and fresh animal innards were used. When the infantile disease originally named "acute rachitis" in England was diagnosed as scurvy (later Möller-Barlow disease) the treatment of cow's milk for baby food became of great interest.Finally, hexuronic acid, later called ascorbic acid or vitaminC, was found to be adrug that could easily dosed for curing and prevention of scurvy.

Understanding the Politics of Food Regulation and Public Health: An Analysis of Codex Standard-Setting Processes on Food Labelling

Background: The importance of the international food regulatory system to global health, is often overlooked. There are calls to reform this system to promote healthy and sustainable food systems centred on the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), the United Nation’s (UN’s) standard-setting body. Yet this presents a significant political challenge, given Codex has historically prioritized food safety risks over wider harms to public health, and is dominated by powerful food exporting nations and industry groups with a primary interest in trade expansion. To better understand this challenge, we examine who participates and contests Codex standards, using the development of the new Guidelines on Front-of-pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) as a case study. Methods: The study involved: (i) collecting Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) documents (2016-2023); (ii) identification, categorization, and enumeration of actors involved in the development of the Guidelines; and (iii) guided by a constructivist framework, analysis of how actors framed and contested key provisions of the Guidelines. Results: Country representation was skewed towards high-income (47.9%). Member state delegations were dominated by non-health ministries (59.8%) and industry actors (16.1%). Industry actors comprised the large majority of observers (84.2%) and civil society actors representing public health interests the least (12.2%). Commercial actors used frames supporting positive FOPNL messages (eg, low in salt) opposing negative ones (eg, "high-in" sugar warnings) and called for product exemptions (eg, sports foods and baby foods). Public health actors used frames supporting simplified FOPNL to reduce consumer confusion, that hold up public health goals, and prevent inappropriate marketing. Conclusion: Participation in the Guidelines development process suggests stronger preferences for trade facilitation and commerce over public health. Ambitions to reform the international food regulatory system may require an examination of who participates and how to address this asymmetrical representation of interests. These results suggest the need to greatly strengthen public health representation at Codex.

Parent-reported offering of allergen foods to infants during complementary feeding: An observational study of New Zealand infants

The prevalence of food allergies in New Zealand infants is uncertain but is believed to be similar to Australia, exceeding 10%. Current recommendations for reducing food allergy risk are to offer all major food allergens to infants from as early as six months of age (start of complementary feeding), and before 12 months of age. However, little is known regarding parental practices around introducing major food allergens. This study aimed to explore parental offering of major food allergens to infants during complementary feeding, and parent-reported food allergies. The cross-sectional study is a secondary analysis of the multi-centre (Auckland and Dunedin) First Foods New Zealand study of 625 parent-infant dyads. Participants were recruited in 2020–2022 when infants were 7–10 months of age. Questionnaires assessed sociodemographic characteristics, complementary feeding approach, infant pouch use and parental responses to five food allergy questions. All major food allergens had been offered to only 17% of infants by 9–10 months of age. Having offered egg, peanut, tree nuts, sesame, soy and seafood was more commonly associated with using a baby-led complementary feeding approach than a parent-led approach (p < 0.001). Frequent baby food pouch use was associated with a lower likelihood of offering egg and peanut (both p < 0.001). Overall, 12.6% of infants had a reported food allergy, with symptomatic response after exposure being the most common diagnostic tool. Most infants are not offered all major food allergens during early complementary feeding, with some parents actively avoiding major food allergens in the first year of life. These results provide up-to-date knowledge of parental practices, highlighting the need for more targeted advice and strategies to improve parental engagement with allergy prevention and diagnosis.

Factors influencing perceptions of processed baby foods and feeding practices among Indian mothers: a qualitative investigation

ObjectiveTo explore how professionally qualified, working Indian mothers conceptualize healthy foods in general, perceive processed infant and baby foods available commercially and what feeding practices they actually follow with their children at home.DesignFive focus groups with 8–12 participants were conducted around the participants’ conceptualization of healthy food, their perceptions about commercially available processed baby and infant foods and their actual feeding practices that they routinely follow with their children. Discussion transcripts were analyzed using an inductive coding approach.SettingIndia.ParticipantsFifty-one professionally qualified, working women with at least one child under 5 years of age.ResultsParticipants agreed that fresh food is healthiest. They also had favorable opinions about processed infant and baby foods with regards to healthfulness, hygiene and safety. Healthy foods were largely conceptualized in relation to nutrient claims, ingredients and discernible health outcomes. They use cues, such as health claims, brand, price, package design and others to determine healthfulness of the product. Perception was heavily influenced by these extrinsic cues rather than by participants’ own nutrition knowledge. Despite having the knowledge, most participants admitted to using these foods on account of factors such as their own inability to lactate, social pressure, lack of time and convenience.ConclusionsMost educated and well off people continue to use these products. While they rue the lack of stringent regulatory measures in India, they feel there is an urgent need to address this huge policy gap by way of legislation and regulation.

Formation of furan and furan derivatives in baby food products

A comprehensive analysis of 89 commercial baby food samples showed the highest levels of furan in ready-to-eat full meals and vegetable purees (12–118 μg/kg). The alkylated furans (2- and 3-methylfuran, 2-ethylfuran, 2-pentylfuran) were predominantly found in these baby food categories. Furfuryl alcohol was notably abundant in ready-to-eat cereal porridge (3,550–13,100 μg/kg). The addition of lactose to self-made cereal porridge strongly influenced the formation of furfuryl alcohol. After reheating selected commercial baby food samples, a reduction of furan by 38 %, methylfurans by 28 %, and 2-ethylfuran by 26 % has been achieved. Raw materials, vegetable varieties, and storage conditions had a major impact on furan formation, which requires an adaptation of processing parameters. The most promising mitigation of furan (by 44 %) and most furan derivatives in vegetable puree were achieved by adding the additive calcium lactate gluconate. In contrast, in cereal porridge, the formation of furfuryl alcohol was reduced by 28 %.