Sugar, Salt in Toddler Snacks Leading to Obese Kids

Many packaged meals and snacks for toddlers have a worrisome amount of salt and sugar, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control.

Sugar and salt could give children a taste at a young age for foods that can lead to obesity and other health risks.

The CDC studied more than 1,000 foods marketed for infants and toddlers including popular brands of baby foods, cereal bars, breakfast pastries, toddler dinners, mini hot dogs, rice cakes, crackers, dried fruit snacks, and yogurt treats.

The study notes that almost one in four children in the United States between the ages of 2 and 5 are overweight or obese.

The survey was done based on foods available in 2012. The grocery manufacturers of America says more foods have come on the market that have less sodium since then.

The CDC advises parents to read food labels carefully and go for healthier choices.