BANGKOK: A new study released on Thursday (Dec 14) revealed high sugar and salt levels in packaged foods for South-East Asian children aged six months to three years, as well as the widespread use of potentially misleading labeling and lax regulations on product composition and sales.
The study, supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and partners of the Consortium for Improving Complementary Foods in Southeast Asia (Commit), assessed more than 1,600 infant cereals, purees, pouches, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals marketed at young children in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
