The Government has instructed baby food manufacturers to reduce the sugar and salt levels in baby foods targeted at children up to three years old.

Manufacturing businesses will have 18 months to lower their sugar and salt in commercial products.

Additionally, tighter regulations on food labelling guidelines will be implemented, as a push towards promoting healthier eating among children.

The move comes as part of the NHS 10-year health plan, which aims to tackle obesity and unhealthy eating.

Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: “Too often, parents are bombarded with confusing labels disguising unhealthy foods packed with hidden sugars and salt. Our Plan for Change will tackle this, giving parents the information they need and providing children with good nutritious food.

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“I’m determined to make it far easier for parents to keep their children healthy. From working with influencers to get children exercising to banning junk food ads near schools, our 10-Year Health Plan will help kids today be part of the healthiest generation of children ever.”

The decision is part of the Government’s drive to lower high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) consumption, with tighter restrictions on HFSS ads coming into effect next year.

Maxine Palmer, head of Service Development at the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), said: “Every parent should be able to make informed decisions about what they feed their baby, free from commercial influence and often misleading labelling.

“We urge manufacturers to implement the guidance on labelling and reducing sugar and salt content in baby foods, and for parents to continue to seek support and information from trusted sources when deciding what feeding journey is right for them.”