For a period of time, many parents have been keen to buy food labeled "children", which promotes more and more types of "children's food" and a growing market. A number of industry experts point out that at present, there is not a "children's food" classification in China, and "children's food" lacks special laws and regulations and national food safety standards, which is more of a marketing tool. Experts suggest that a scientific standard certification system of "children's food" should be established like green food, organic food and children's medicines, so as to effectively meet the special needs of the growth and development of body, bones and brain in childhood.

At present, food with the label of "children" is very common, not only filling the food shelves, but also many supermarkets have special "children's food" counters. The market penetration of "children's food" is increasing. People pay more attention to the safety of children's food and are willing to pay more food expenses for their children's health, which is the driving force behind the popularity of "children's food".

Some chaos related to "children's food" has existed for a long time. In addition to improper marketing and deliberate hype by merchants, not included in the classification, unclear characterization and lack of standards are also important reasons. In May 2020, the China Non-staple Food Circulation Association released the first domestic standard on "Children's Snacks" -- the group standard General Requirements for Children's Snacks, which requires that children's snacks should not contain trans fatty acids, and should have less sugar, salt and oil added. However, there are currently few similar standards and they are not mandatory, making it difficult to effectively regulate children's food including children's snacks.

The related departments should clarify the special classification of children's food as soon as possible, formulate corresponding regulations, introduce industry standards and supervision measures, and make specific requirements for raw materials, nutritional components and food additives of children's food according to age groups, and change the rule of the business to the rule of regulations and standards, so that children's food is truly worthy of its name, can meet the needs of the growth and development of children at different stages, making "children's food" no longer a gimmick, but the ideal food to promote healthy growth of children.

Source: Beijing Youth Daily

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