Is organic instant broth safe for babies?

Every mother wants to always provide complementary foods with breast milk (MPASI) with the best nutritional content. The addition of broth from bones and meat or chicken can add to the delicacy of complementary foods without having to rely on added sugar or salt. However, this method is considered impractical. Now many instant broths for baby solids are sold with organic claims that are healthier and safer for babies, is that right?

Is it true that organic instant broth is healthier for babies?

Before knowing more about organic instant broth for baby solids, you should first understand what is meant by organic instant broth.

According to the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), organic processed food is food or beverage originating from processed organic food in a certain way or method, with or without permitted additives. The food ingredients used have not been subjected to radiation treatment and / or come from genetically modified products.

Instant broth is usually in the form of a powder preparation that can be brewed / cooked before consumption. Organic instant broth can only be called true organic processed food if, 95% is made from organic ingredients (excluding water and salt).

For example, instant chicken stock with organic claims. The chicken used as a broth must meet the requirements for organic food ingredients. Chickens must live and be bred in a natural environment and not given hormones or antibiotics. Chickens are given organic food and live freely in fertile and healthy soil.

Likewise, the processing must be carried out in a facility that has been certified by an Organic Certification Institute. Processed chicken meat should not use food additives, such as dyes, preservatives and synthetic flavors.

However, this does not mean that organic processed food cannot use food additives at all. BPOM through organic food control regulations has established a list of food additives, such as sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers that are allowed to be added to organic processed food.

This careful process and selection of organic ingredients ultimately results in safe organic instant broth products, including for baby solids.

Keep this in mind when using organic instant baby broth

If you want to use organic instant broth for babies, then make sure of the following:

Make sure the product is certified organic

Read carefully the food labels when choosing the product, don't immediately be tempted to buy because of organic claims. There are so many baby food products, one of which is organic instant broth for babies which contains organic claims that cannot be justified for food safety. Safe organic instant broth is one that has been certified by an official institution.

Organic Certification Bodies (LSOs) are institutions responsible for certifying that products sold or labeled as “organic” are produced, handled and imported according to laws and regulations and have been accredited by the National Accreditation Committee.

Review the nutritional content of instant broth

After the food safety is guaranteed, the next thing that mothers should pay attention to is the nutritional content of the selected organic instant broth. Note whether the instant broth contains salt and sugar or flavorings and preservatives. Avoid choosing instant broth that contains high salt.

One of the things that distinguishes baby food from regular food is its nutritional content. Ideally, instant complementary products are already adjusted to the macro and micro nutritional needs of babies at the age of starting solids.

Research shows that at the age of 6 months, the content of Fe and Zinc in breast milk is not sufficient to meet the baby's needs. Therefore, it is very important to choose complementary ingredients that have high Fe and Zinc content, especially high protein foods or fortified cereals.

In conclusion, organic instant broth may be given for baby complementary foods, as long as the food safety is clear. Organic processed food products must have been certified by BPOM and LSO. Then, pay attention to the nutritional content which must match the characteristics of baby solids. Beware of sugar, salt, flavorings and preservatives. If it does not fulfill either of these two things, it is better to avoid it.

The use of natural broth has more advantages. The ingredients used are fresher and more natural, of course more nutritious and economical. Parents also have more control in choosing variations in the types of food ingredients and food textures that are suitable for their baby's development. Pay attention to proper cooking methods to maintain the nutritional content of food, hygiene and sanitation, as well as methods of preparation and storage.