Nurseries feeding toddlers too much junk food, warns report
Too many nurseries are feeding toddlers junk food loaded with artificial additives that are not suitable for children, a report warned today.
The study by the School Food Trust, an independent body which aims to improve standards in school food, raised concerns that nurseries are giving children meals with high levels of salt, sugar and fat.
It found some staff give children adult-sized portions while toddlers in other centres miss out on vitamins and other nutrients.
Ministers announced a national review of nursery food aimed at reducing childhood obesity. A panel of experts will consider whether junk food should be banned from childcare centres across the country.
The School Food Trust research uncovered weaknesses in new rules that set minimum standards for the quality of school dinners, introduced after TV chef Jamie Oliver launched a national campaign.
Laws ban food manufacturers from using artificial sweeteners, colourings and preservatives in products aimed at babies and toddlers, but no such rules apply to the food served in nurseries, the report said.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls announced that the review panel would be chaired by nutritionist and child expert Dr Anthony Williams.
He said: "It's important that parents know that the standards of food are good not just in homes and Sure Start [government scheme to help underprivileged children] centres but in every setting, and the panel will be able to help us make sure this happens."
