Do you know what's in that sweet, juicy spoonful of apple puree that you are feeding your baby? Yes, it could (and most probably does) contain more than just apples. Studies have shown that a third of 2,000 apples tested actually contains chlorpyrifos, a pesticide chemical linked to brain damage in rats.

In a comprehensive study made by the Environmental Working Group in the US, researchers analysed eight different non-organic baby foods, produced by other international commercial brands, which form a significant part of an average infant first year diet: applesauce, peaches, pears, plums, green beans, squash, sweet potatoes and garden vegetables (including pea or carrot blend). Results showed that these products contain 16 different pesticide residues, including probable human carcinogens (cancer causing substances), neurotoxins (nervous system toxins) and endocrine system disruptors. This is why more parents are now turning to organic baby food, resulting in a 57 percent increase since 2001, and that's in the United States alone. Naturally, as demand rises, availability does too, with organic baby food being made more readily available in most supermarkets in Hong Kong, baby stores and even online.

How do pesticides endanger my child?
Research by various groups shows that pesticides may contribute to some cancer and respiratory illnesses. Animal testing also indicates that pesticides may cause permanent changes in brain chemistry that may lead to anything from behavioural disorders and learning disabilities to long-term damage to the brain and nervous systems. Pesticides also disrupt endocrine systems and affect both the immune and reproductive systems. Most of these illnesses are caused by long-term exposure or ingestion of these pesticides but large dosages may cause immediate effects.

Babies and young children are much more vulnerable to pesticides as their organs and nervous systems are still developing, therefore, they absorb pesticides more easily and break them down less efficiently than adults. As a result, the level of pesticides in their bodies can increase more quickly ?while adults may absorb 15 to 35 percent of the toxins in conventional food, babies may absorb up to 75 percent! Moreover, certain pesticides are known to block a child’s absorption of nutrients that are important for healthy growth and development.

Why go organic?
1. Organic foods are healthier for your children. Studies have shown that children on an organic food diet had six times less pesticides in their bodies than children on a conventional food diet. A 2003 study at the University of California at Davies found that organic fruit has 58 percent more antioxidants ?which help prevent heart disease and cancer ? than non-organic fruit.
2. Organic food costs less in the long run. You may think that you’re paying extra cost for organic food but remember this ? you are saving on future medical costs which, in reality, will cost you even more!
As Dr William Sears, who responds to parents? enquires in a leading parenting magazine in the US, puts it, “Pay the organic food manufacturer now, or pay the doctor later.?
3. Organic food tastes better. Overuse of chemical fertilisers in plants and growth hormones in cattle and poultry can make fruit, vegetables and meat tasteless. We should not deprive our babies and children a real taste of Mother Nature’s wondrous works!

What to choose?
Healthy Times is a leading brand of organic baby food available in Hong Kong today. It has the best ratings amongst parents who are concerned about pesticides in baby food. It contains added vitamins and minerals which are important for your little darlings? growth and development. You can find unique varieties of snacks for your child ? whether he is a baby, toddler or preschooler.

Why we recommend Healthy Times?
It has the “No-Nos? No Pesticides No GMOs (genetically modified organisms) No Nuts, Egg, Soy & Dairy No Refined Sugars No Salt in Teddy Puffs and Baby Jar Foods No Preservatives No Saturated Fats.

The entire line of Healthy Times baby food is USDA certified organic and Healthy Times is the only baby food brand that uses only whole grains. Currently, it is the ONLY BABY FOOD BRAND that offers all gluten free dinners.

As more studies are done on the nutritional quality of food for babies and toddlers, research reveals many major commercial brands contain substantial amounts of water and thickening agents like flours and chemically modified starches. These additives will greatly compromise the nutrients and vitamins which will otherwise be present in food made without fillers.

As part of their philosophy, Healthy Times never uses water as a first or main ingredient. In addition, Healthy Times never uses flour, tapioca and powders as fillers. As you can see, Healthy Times is as natural as can be!

Give your children a healthy start with Healthy Times.

Sources of information: Environmental Working Group (USA), Food Consumer Organization (USA), Food Standard Agency (UK), Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP)-the peer-reviewed journal of the United States?National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Friends of Th e Earth, wholesomebabyfood.com, keepkidshealthy.com, Babies, Children & Food Allergy by Janice Joneja, Ph.D, R.D.N. drgreene.com (California), USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)