In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of parents in Israel who prefer to feed their babies fruit and vegetable purees packaged in special bags. However, some of them can significantly harm the health of children.
This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Health.
These bags are equipped with convenient screw caps, which makes feeding easier, allowing children to suck out the contents on their own. Sales of such products in the country increased sevenfold between 2018 and 2022, reflecting the growing demand and popularity of this convenient and nutritious way to feed babies.
In a document published by the Ministry of Health’s nutrition department, experts warn that while packaged packets of fruit and vegetable purees may seem convenient and are considered a “health food”, there are actually some problems associated with them.
Thus, the child consumes more calories and sugar in a short time than if he consumed crushed fruit with a spoon. The Ministry of Health warns that the product, once pureed, undergoes processing that may change its composition and nutritional content.
Often these purees contain excessive amounts of sugar, which is harmful for children. This may cause damage to teeth and the possibility of accidental swallowing of the plastic bag cap. In addition, by eating purees, children do not have the opportunity to get acquainted with the real look, smell and taste of fruits and vegetables, which can contribute to the development of picky eating later in life. Parents are advised to avoid regularly consuming pouch purees.
Earlier, “Cursor” wrote that the importer אופאל יאצא בע is expanding the range of notifications about the recall of a product – extra virgin olive oil. Inspections carried out by the Food Service of the Ministry of Health revealed that all the products mentioned do not meet the definition of olive oil as stated on their labels.
