Panorama uncovers baby food pouch scandal – what parents need to know

Last night’s Panorama revealed the ugly truth about baby food pouches – and the Oral Health Foundation is warning parents to take a closer look at what’s really inside. 

Many baby food pouches are being marketed as suitable for babies as young as four months old, despite government and World Health Organisation guidance saying babies should only be fed breastmilk or formula until six months. 

Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, says: “Unfortunately, baby food labelling is still incredibly misleading. Brands claim these products are suitable from four months, which goes directly against NHS and WHO advice.”

The programme also exposed how these pouches, while convenient, often fall short when it comes to nutrition, and can do harm. One pouch from a well-known brand – Heinz sweet potato, chicken, and veggies – contained just 0.325mg of iron. According to NHS guidance, babies need between 4.3mg and 7.8mg of iron daily.

Dr Carter says: “Baby food pouches are incredibly popular with parents – they’re clean, quick and easy. But many lose vital nutrients like vitamin C during processing and don’t contain enough iron for babies to grow properly.”

There are dental dangers, too. Many babies suck the food straight from the pouch, which keeps it in contact with their teeth for longer – increasing the risk of tooth decay.

“These products often come with no warning about sucking directly from the pouch,” adds Dr Carter. “It means food sits on the teeth for longer, especially dangerous when it’s high in sugar, and stops babies learning how to chew or experience different textures.”

Some parents may see ‘No Added Sugar’ and assume the product is healthy, but many are made with fruit purées or juices, which are naturally high in free sugars. These sugars are released during processing and can be just as harmful to baby teeth as table sugar.

Dr Carter says: “The ‘No Added Sugar’ claims are misleading. When fruit is puréed or juiced, the sugars become free sugars – the kind that rot teeth. These products need clearer labelling, and parents must be told the truth.”

Following the investigation, companies like Ella’s Kitchen, Piccolo and Aldi said they’ll update labelling to reflect six-month weaning guidance, reduce sugar, and improve nutrient content. But campaigners say that’s not enough.

“There’s an urgent need for transparency and proper regulation,” adds Dr Carter. “We can’t rely on companies to do the right thing voluntarily. The government must step in, change the rules, and protect our children’s health.”

The Panorama episode The Truth About Baby Food Pouches is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002bl1w.