For their babies, mothers want to choose the best: the best stroller, crib, kindergarten, and of course, the best and healthy food. Supplementary food forms food habits and greatly affects child's health. Choosing where to begin, you need to trust the pediatrician and believe the manufacturer. But! Whoever is informed is armed. We decided to conduct a short but informative educational program for mothers and ask the expert how to choose high-quality baby food. Dmitry Makarkin, Director for Quality and New Technologies of PROGRESS OJSC answers our questions.
1. How to correctly read a label on a jar of children's food?
Be careful when reading the label. Pay attention to the expiration date and the ingredients. On all baby food jars the producer must specify the age of the child (in months), from which the introduction of this product is recommended. It is recommended to trust large producers.
2. What kind of package is the best?
Packaging protects the product from the air, light, and microorganisms of the environment. Glass is the traditionally used material for packaging. However, there are now many combined materials that work perfectly, but at the same time are more convenient to use. Such packages consist of several layers of different components including paper, polymers, and aluminum foil.
3. What product should not be purchased?
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Do not buy any product in damaged packaging. Even if it is simply crumpled, it is a sign that it may have micro-cracks. If you see such a package on the shelf, inform a store employee.
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Never buy a product that has expired.
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Never buy a jar if the lid is swollen. Every time you open the jar you should hear a clap. If it does not happen, you cannot use the product. Some manufacturers state this on the packaging.
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Always try the product yourself, before giving it to the baby.
4. How should baby food be stored in the store?
Fruit, vegetable juices, meat purees, dry porridge or baby water are stored at a temperature not exceeding + 25 degrees Celsius.
Fermented milk products (yogurt, bio-curd for babies) are stored at a temperature not exceeding from +2 to 6 degrees Celsius.
5. Who should you complain to if you notice a violation?
Address your complaint to the head of the section of baby food. Also, you can call the shop hotline or the manufacturer's hotline.
Do not be lazy and do not hesitate to do it. Ultimately you’re helping manufacturers to improve, which is good for your children.