Baby-food manufacturers operating in the UK have 18 months to cut salt and sugar in their products under new "guidelines" introduced by the country's government.

Companies will be "challenged" to change recipes to reduce salt and sugar without using sweeteners, the UK government said.

Clearer labelling guidelines will also be introduced to "help parents understand more easily what food they are buying for their children", it added.

In April, research by the University of Leeds claimed the UK’s baby food market was "awash" with low-quality products with "poor nutrition masked by misleading names and on-pack messaging".

The UK government says it will tell manufacturers to stop using marketing claims that make products appear healthier than they are, including “contains no nasties” when products may be high in sugar.

Snacks promoted for babies from seven months can also conflict with government advice that children aged six to 12 months only need milk between meals.  

More than 20% of children aged four to five in England are overweight or living with obesity. the UK government said. Excessive sugar intake has been linked to weight gain and dental problems in early childhood. 

“Babies’ development is being harmed by poor diets and unhealthy food, holding them back and piling up pressure on the NHS," UK public minister Ashley Dalton said.

“Too often, parents are bombarded with confusing labels, disguising unhealthy foods packed with hidden sugars and salt.”

Campaign groups have broadly welcomed the guidelines but stressed stronger action is needed.  

Katharine Jenner, director at Obesity Health Alliance, described the move as “a baby step in the right direction – but what is really needed is a giant leap”.  

She added: “It should not even be possible to sell baby food that goes against official feeding guidance.” 

Vicky Sibson, director of First Steps Nutrition Trust, backed the “plans to evaluate industry compliance in 18 months and fully support their [government’s] commitment to taking ‘further measures’ in the event that this voluntary measure fails”. 

Kawther Hashem, head of research and impact at Action on Sugar, called the guidelines “long-overdue” but warned “they must not be the final word”, urging the government to “closely monitor progress and act swiftly if companies fail to change”.