Prohibition of sugar in children's teas planned

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Less fat, less sugar: in the debate about a healthier diet, children are a particular focus, because early habits are often formative. A strict taboo should now apply to a product group.

Sugar is to be banned in baby and toddler teas in the future. In addition, there should also be new references to the packs. This is provided for in an ordinance from Federal Food Minister Julia Klöckner (CDU), which the Federal Council will deal with next week. Herbal and fruit teas for infants or toddlers must therefore not contain any added sugar or other sweetening ingredients such as honey, malt extract, syrups or syrups.

Children should not get used to sweets

"Babies and toddlers do not need sweetened drinks," said Klöckner. That is why sugar and other sweetening ingredients have no place in teas and beverages specially addressed to them. "They shouldn't be" trained "right from the start." She wanted to issue the ban as soon as possible.

A note on the packaging or a label should also be stipulated that no sugar or other sweetening ingredients should be added during preparation. This should make it easier for parents, educators and all carers to follow the dietary recommendations, said the minister. There should also be a label stating the age at which the teas can be used - in general, this must therefore not be less than four months.

Sugar increases the risk of illness

According to the ministry, the background is that sugared drinks increase the risk of tooth decay and obesity. In the first 1000 days of a child's life, important foundations for their nutritional behavior are set - it is then more difficult to change traditional habits later. As stated in the regulation, the proposed ban on sugar affects 37 products currently available. According to a market survey, the new information requirements on the pack affect 85 products. (ag / dpa)

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