A Feb. 3 Canadian Press article provided the following details:
The Canadian Stroke Network and the Advanced Foods & Materials Network chose Gerber Graduates Lil' Entrees because the product line's Chicken & Pasta Wheel Pickups dinner contains 550 mg of sodium -- more than half a toddler's adequate daily intake of 1,000 mg.
The organizations say the amount of sodium in the prepared food is equivalent to that contained in two medium orders of McDonald's french fries. McDonald's Canada website says a medium order of fries contains 270 mg of sodium.
Yet labelling on the Gerber Graduates meal says it is "appropriate for children one year or older" and is "specially made for toddlers."
"There is a concern that eating too much sodium in childhood can lead to a preference for salty foods and, consequently, an increased risk of disease as an adult," said Dr. Kevin Willis, who leads efforts by the Canadian Stroke Network to raise awareness of the dangers of excessive sodium intake.
Labels: diet, nutrition, toddlers, sodium
Posted By: Aspen/CRC
