Pediatric nutrition researchers called Tuesday for tighter regulation of commercial toddler foods after a peer-reviewed analysis found that 81% of products marketed for young children met the criteria for ultra-processed foods. The study assessed hundreds of packaged foods aimed at children aged roughly one to three years, using the Nova classification system to categorise products.

Researchers emphasised that toddlerhood is a critical window for establishing lifelong eating patterns and taste preferences. The American Academy of Pediatrics has previously warned that diets high in ultra-processed foods are associated with excess sugar and sodium intake in early childhood.

Public health advocates, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, have pressed the Food and Drug Administration to strengthen front-of-package labelling and marketing rules for infant and toddler products. Consumer groups say parents are being misled by claims such as "organic" and "no added sugar".

Industry representatives disputed how the findings apply to individual products. A major baby-food manufacturer said its items met federal nutritional standards and that the Nova system was not designed to measure the healthfulness of specific foods.

The debate arrives as the FDA continues work on updated guidance for foods marketed to children under two. Researchers said the classification data should inform that review and encouraged parents to prioritise whole fruits, vegetables and home-prepared meals where possible.