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New Plastic Packaging
Ask the Expert
Questions About Heinz Infant Nutrition
New Plastic Packaging
Q. Why are we converting baby food into plastic packaging?
A. Consumers have told us that they prefer their baby food to be packed in plastic bowls. We are converting to plastic so we can offer easy to use, easy to store packaging to meet the needs of our consumers.
Q. Can I still buy baby food in glass jars?
A. The selection of fruit products converting to plastic packaging will replace the existing glass jars. However, there is still a variety of options available in glass jars.
Q. Is the plastic recyclable?
A. Yes. Please check with you local municipality to see if this plastic is accepted, as recycling programs may vary.
Q. What is ascorbic acid and why is it an ingredient in the plastic packaged products?
A. Ascorbic acid is the scientific name for vitamin C. It is added to fresh fruit products in plastic packaging to help maintain colour.
Ask the Expert
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Q&A with Dr. David Yeung,
Infant Nutritionist,
H.J. Heinz Company of Canada |
Q. Is breast milk or formula better for your baby?
A. Breast milk is the better choice. It is the most complete food you can offer your baby. Breast milk also passes on some your immunities to infections, and stimulates the development of your baby's own defenses.
Q. Is my baby growing properly with my breast milk?
A. Some breast-fed babies grow quickly, others are slow to gain weight. Your doctor will measure your baby's weight and length shortly after birth, and keep track of her growth using growth charts. The best indication of good health is your baby's alertness and responsiveness.
Q. When should I start to feed my baby cereal?
A. The Canadian Paediatric Society Nutrition Committee recommends the introduction of solid foods at 6 months to meet your baby's increasing nutritional requirements and development needs.1
Q. What foods should I start with?
A. The most common first food for babies is cereal with iron, such as Heinz's Step One cereals. Try Rice Cereal first, as your baby is least likely to be allergic to it. For more information, see our feeding chart.
Q. What are my baby's nutritional needs as she grows up?
A. Take a look at our feeding plan, which will show you the nutritional needs of your baby as she ages, and the types of meals that provide the right nutritional balance.
Q. How much should I feed my baby?
A. Let your baby tell you. All babies have different appetites. Look for signs that your baby is full, such as pushing the spoon away, looking away, or spitting out food.
Q: Should I feed my baby with a soft plastic or metal spoon?
A. It's better to use a soft plastic spoon, and not a metal spoon, as soft plastic is gentler on your baby's gums. It is also recommended that you dispense food using a soft plastic spoon to minimize the chance of accidentally breaking the glass jar.
Q. Should I give my baby vitamins or supplements?
A. Vitamin D deficiency is a concern in Canada. Breastfed babies should receive a vitamin D supplement. As always, it is best to consult your doctor about your child in particular.
Q. My baby doesn't like new foods. What should I do?
A. It usually takes a little while for babies to grow to like a new taste. Try several times, once every few days. If he still doesn't want it, he may just not like it.
1 Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada and Health Canada, 2005
Questions About Heinz Infant Nutrition
Q. How nutritious is Heinz Nurture Infant Formula?
A. All Heinz baby food products are triple tested for quality, safety and nutrition and carry the Purity Assurance symbol. The Heinz Nurture Infant Formula varieties are iron-fortified and designed to meet the unique needs of infants in all stages of development. Heinz Nurture Infant Formula is governed by strict government regulations to ensure the nutritional composition is created to be as close as possible to breast-milk. Most varieties contain DHA and AHA (Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids) which support normal brain and eye development. Heinz Nurture Infant Formula provides a well balanced combination of protein, minerals, vitamins, fats and carbohydrates.
Q. What other Heinz products support the growth and development of a healthy baby?
A. All Heinz Infant Nutrition products support the growth and development of a healthy baby. Our product range includes jarred foods, infant cereals, juices, toddler snacks and a full range of organic infant nutrition products. All Heinz infant nutrition products carry our Purity Assurance promise of triple testing for quality, safety and nutrition.
Q. Why do leftover baby foods sometimes become watery?
A. If you're feeding your baby directly from the jar, chances are you've transferred his saliva to the jar. Saliva contains an enzyme which breaks down carbohydrates, creating a watery consistency. This breakdown may be more obvious in certain flavours. For instance, Custard may break down more than Carrots. Use a clean spoon to remove each portion to a bowl and feed from the bowl.
Q. How long is it safe to keep an opened jar of baby food in the refrigerator?
A. Jars of fruit, vegetables, juices, desserts and vegetable/meat combinations that are covered and refrigerated should be used within three days after opening. Meats and poultry with broth have refrigerator life of two days.
Q. What is the shelf life of unopened baby food?
A. All jarred baby foods are vacuum sealed and sterilized, so they will not spoil, provided the vacuum seal is intact. When you open the jar at home, you should hear the familiar "pfft pop" sound. If you don't hear the POP, or the button is up, or the plastic seal is broken, do not feed the contents to your baby. Take the jar back to the store for a replacement.
While vacuum sealed food won't spoil, for optimal taste and complete vitamin retention, product should be consumed prior to the "best before" date printed on the top of the jar.
Q. Is there sugar or starch in Heinz Baby Foods?
A. There is no sugar or starch added to any Heinz jarred baby food products, except -- in small amounts -- in desserts. Heinz does not use modified food starch.
Q. Are any food colourings added to Heinz Baby Foods?
A. Definitely not! They are not necessary nor permitted by law.
Q. Are any preservatives added to Heinz Baby Foods?
A. No. Jarred baby foods are vacuum packed in sterile jars and therefore preservatives are not necessary.
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