Fears of pesticides, yet mums-to-be don’t act
October 2005

Today’s mums rank the dangers of pesticides alongside cigarettes and alcohol when protecting their babies during pregnancy, fearing harmful residues may damage their unborn child.

The survey among 805 mums and pregnant women aged 20-40 years was conducted by BMRB for organic baby feeding specialists HiPP Organic. When asked what women should be worried about during pregnancy, 95 per cent said smoking, followed by drinking alcohol (92 per cent) and eating foods containing pesticides (70 per cent).

Yet this did not translate into action, with only one in eight women citing pesticide fears for their main reason for eating organic during pregnancy.

Fifty five per cent of women said they didn’t increase their intake of organic foods whilst pregnant, yet 71% believed that it was important for pregnant women to eat organically.

The risk of pesticides reaching the foetus is becoming recognised and documented, said Jane Mayall, HiPP’s Marketing Manager. “Mums are realising that organic is better for baby, but unfortunately for some, the awareness doesn’t start early enough.

“The foetus is the stage of life most vulnerable to damage from chemicals - in the womb through growth and development and indeed later in life with health related problems being documented.

“It appears that some mums are only aware of the dangers once they are directly weaning their babies, when in fact they should have been looking after baby and self, pre-conception.

“This is why HiPP is calling for action from both the Government and Healthcare Professionals. The message that ‘what you eat during pregnancy will be passed on to baby’ is vitally important and we wish to see the awareness of healthy eating and organic, higher up the menu.”

Editors notes:

• For images please contact Samantha Baker at HiPP Organic email sam@greenhq.co.uk

• HiPP Organic is the UK’s best selling organic baby food brand. With over 100 recipes in the range, including breakfasts, savouries and desserts, as well as drinks and Follow-on milks, HiPP Organic provides the best possible start to weaning, with recipes from Stage 1 through to Stage 3 for older babies. HiPP recipes can be found in all major supermarkets and health stores across the UK.

• Important breastfeeding notice: Breastfeeding is best for your baby. Follow-on milks should only be used as part of a mixed diet and not as a breastmilk substitute before six months.

  For more information please contact:

  Alan Murray/Anna Harris
  MurrayPR
  01403 248 666
  07779 224185
  anna@murraypr.com