Summary

This study aimed at assessing the intake of junk food by children aged between four and 12 months, who make use of the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (Unified Health System) public service, in the city of Frutal/MG, Brazil. This descriptive, transversal and quantitative approach study monitored 300 children who represented 70.7% of the age group population according to the municipal official data. Junk food is here defined as food which contains excessive levels of fat and/or sugar or any undesirable substance for this age group, such as artificial coloring and chemical preservatives. The intake of instant powdered fruit juice, hotdogs, sausages, salami, soups and salt snacks, instant pasta, Jell-O, pudding, soda, popcorn, candies, lollipops, ice cream, chocolate, yogurt, petit swiss cheese and fermented milk was assessed. A questionnaire was applied during the monthly weighing of these children at every one of the eight Basic Health Units. The kind of junk food most consumed by four to six month-old and six to 12 month-old children were identified through statistical, descriptive analysis. A frequent introduction of junk food was observed in 80.2% of mothers and/or caregivers having admitted feeding their children one or more of the mentioned food products.