Too many UK childcare providers are depriving small children of energy whilst loading them with salt and sugar, experts warned yesterday.
Nurseries and childminders can play a key role in reducing growing rates of childhood obesity, according to the advisory panel on food and nutrition in early years.
Paediatrician Dr Anthony Williams said: "It’s never too early for children to start eating well; in fact it’s critical if we’re going to help them grow up to be healthy.
"But unless all childcare providers get a better steer on what they should be offering, children in different settings will continue to have very different food experiences – and a very different start to learning about what foods are good for them.”
The School Food Trust, which backed the panel, welcomed a proposal for national guidance on good diet for nursery children.
The report said some providers are giving children food that was more appropriate for older children and adults. As well as too little energy there was often too few minerals such as iron and zinc – as well as too much salt and sugar.
The findings were also welcomed by the British Heart Foundation.
Victoria Taylor, a dietician with the foundation, said: "Clear guidance about the food young children should receive in childcare is essential, as is monitoring and evaluating food standards.
"It will help to ensure consistency and highlight areas that need improvement, so it’s vital these recommendations aren’t neglected when funding is tight."
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