Australians are Positive about the their food supply

A recent survey undertaken by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has found that  61% consumers have confidence in the safety of the Australian food supply.  Food safety ranked twelfth after drought, household finances, the environment and healthy eating.

Constipation in preschoolers linked to a low plant diet

A recent study of preschool children  in Hong Kong found that those with constipation had a low intake of plant foods and a marginally higher milk intake than those not constipated

New Finger Food Poster from Heinz

Older infants and toddlers love to feed themselves and we know that Mums are always looking for information about foods that are appropriate and healthy.  Heinz Infant Feeding Advisory Service's (HIFAS) colourful new finger foods poster shows a range of simple, healthy foods suitable as finger foods. 

Birth size, postnatal growth and risk of obesity

Overweight and obesity in young children and adolescents is a major health concern. It is estimated that one in five are overweight and obese. The big question is how do we prevent our children from becoming overweight and suffering its health consequences  such as diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and depression.

Pregnant women need advice on risks of listeria in foods

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is asking health professionals to inform pregnant women about the dangers of Listeria bacteria and the adverse effects it can have on them and their unborn child (1). This follows the results of a recent study from the University of Wollongong (2) which found that 57% of pregnant women were unaware of all the foods that could potentially contain Listeria and that about 25% were eating high risk foods.

Perceptions of overweight and obesity by mums of children aged 2-5 years

Focus groups with 32 mothers of children aged 2-5 years, conducted by researchers from the  University of Sydney’s Centre for Overweight and Obesity , found mothers:-

Report into the health benefits of breastfeeding

In August 2007, the Standing Committee on Health and Aging from the House of Representatives released its report The Best Start: Report on the inquiry into the health benefits of breast feeding. The purpose of the inquiry was to report on how the Commonwealth Government could take a lead role in improving the health of Australians by supporting breast feeding.

Looking after your child's teeth

It’s important to look after your child’s teeth, not only because they are necessary for chewing foods but also because they can impact on your child’s appearance.  Poor dental health can also affect your child’s behaviour, eating habits and his nutritional status. Tooth decay and/or sore gums are often the cause of difficult behaviour, fussy eating, small food intake and refusal to eat.

Food Habits of Australian Toddlers

In the March 2007 issue of Heinz Sight Lets Talk To..., researcher Karen Webb spoke about her study reporting on the ‘extra foods’ consumed by toddlers aged 16-24 months.  A new paper, using the same sample of toddlers 16-24 months, has been released looking at the amounts of foods, nutrients and portions consumed. 

ESPGHAN Position Paper on Complementary Feeding

The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition has prepared a position paper on the complementary feeding of healthy, full term infants living in industrialised countries like Europe, during the first year of life .