Chew on This: Not All First Finger Foods Are Created Equal

Publication Date

2018

Journal Title

Clin Pediatr

Abstract

© 2018, The Author(s) 2018. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends when to start first finger foods (FFFs) and what types of foods to start with, but it is unclear whether products marketed as FFF comply with these recommendations. We evaluated FFF products for compliance with AAP recommendations and product safety using 41 adult product testers, who were asked to dissolve each product in their mouth. Product characteristics, comments pertaining to product safety, and time to dissolve each product were recorded. Only 2 products met all AAP criteria, and safety concerns were raised for an additional 2 products. One product showed a large change in dissolvability after being left out of original packaging. Consumers should not assume that products marketed for infant/toddler consumption comply with AAP recommendations. Also, products left out of original packaging may change consistency, presenting a choking hazard. Additional research is warranted to guide the development of regulations surrounding labeling and marketing of these foods.

Volume Number

57

Issue Number

8

Pages

889 - 894

Document Type

Article

Status

Faculty

Facility

School of Medicine

Primary Department

General Pediatrics

PMID

28990427

DOI

10.1177/0009922817733701

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