Low allergen content of commercial baby foods

Abstract

Introduction of allergenic solid foods, especially peanut and hen's egg reduces the risk of food allergy development in early childhood. Ideally, parents will offer their infants home-prepared foods; however, many rely on the availability of convenient ready to purchase infant foods. This audit aimed to assess the major food allergen content of commercial infant foods. Methods: Infant foods available for sale in 2019 in Australia were the focus of this audit. The major food allergens investigated were peanut, tree nuts, hen's egg, cows milk, wheat, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame and lupin. Websites of infant food manufacturers and major supermarkets were used to identify ingredient lists of infant foods available for purchase. Where ingredients listings were unavailable this information was sourced directly from the product labels in the supermarket. Results: Fourteen companies were identified, manufacturing over 251 foods specifically for the infants aged less than 1 year of age. Although there were many choices available containing wheat (27 products) and cows milk proteins (73 products), none contained peanut, tree nuts, sesame, shellfish or lupin. Conclusions: Despite infant feeding advice encouraging early introduction to food allergens, of 251 commercial baby foods surveyed only 1% contained egg and none contained peanut, the most common food allergies in young Australian infants. This low food allergen content may be disadvantageous for infants fed mostly commercial infant foods as they are unlikely to be exposed to sufficient amounts of the major food allergens on a regular basis during infancy.

Why do parents use packaged infant foods when starting complementary feeding? Findings from phase one of a longitudinal qualitative study

“…Some parents, whose infants had allergies, were more confident giving packaged foods because they could easily avoid allergens. Indeed a study from Australia confirmed the limited presence of allergens in packaged infant foods [ 32 ].…”

Health-related marketing messages on product labels of commercial infant and toddler food packaging in Australia: a cross-sectional audit

“… 16–18 For those without diagnosed allergies, the emphasis of ‘free from allergens’ as a healthier food choice may be harmful if the child is consequently not exposed to common allergens in their usual diet. 19 …”

“…[16][17][18] For those without diagnosed allergies, the emphasis of 'free from allergens' as a healthier food choice may be harmful if the child is consequently not exposed to common allergens in their usual diet. 19 Developmental claims, purporting to foster the health and development of the child, were identified on infant and toddler foods, extending the observation from infant and toddler formula. 20 21 We identified childhood development claims on half of the toddler foods and one-quarter of infant foods, including claims related to development of taste preferences (eg, 'ideal for babies refusing foods' usually on products containing vegetables mixed with sweeter foods).…”

A pragmatic approach to infant feeding for food allergy prevention

“…A recent Australian study has reported the low allergen content of commercial infant foods with only 1% of 257 products tested containing egg and none containing peanut, highlighting the potential for limited exposure to allergens to prevent allergy if the diet is heavily reliant on commercial infant food products. 50 Commercial early allergen introduction products containing single or multiple allergenic proteins in a powdered or puff form have become available in some countries. These products offer measured doses of allergen in a form that is developmentally appropriate for an infant's diet.…”