Children's Health Forum

Posted: 02 April 2008 at 7:58pm | IP Logged

Keith bought some Robinsons Orange Squash today for Ollie to try as he keeps asking for Orange Squash, he must have either had it at my brothers or seen it on the tv.  I have never allowed any of my children to drink or eat anything with Aspartame in due to having done a study into it when I was at college several years ago.  Aspartame has also been linked closely to children with ADHD, it was never designed to be used in the quantities it has been in recent years, the long term side affects are not known or the affects on the growing brain of a child.

Robinsons Orange Squash states on the front "Robinsons Fruit Squash Orange, No Artificaial colours or flavours".  Then on the back of the bottle in smaller writing it does say it has "added sugars" but not what these added sugars are.  In the ingredients in much much smaller writing it then says it contains Aspartame.

Be careful to read the small print because even drinks that seem to be healthy at first glance on the front of the bottle certainly aren't when you look closer.  I think Robinsons should be a lot clearer with their labelling especially as most of their drinks are targeted at younger children.

Posted: 02 April 2008 at 8:07pm | IP Logged

Hi Sam

I agree but i think that could be said about alot of products aimed at children.

It just goes to show you really have to be on your toes to make sure your child gets the best foods and drinks for them.

I personnally find alot of packaging confusing.

Posted: 02 April 2008 at 9:23pm | IP Logged

I think the main reason big companies like Robinson's get away with mis-informing labelling is because many people dont have the time or knowledge to read and understand whats actually in the products, especially before buying them.. until clever people like yourself mention it for others to take notice of. 

My kids only drink mainly water and milk at home anyway, but have fruit juice, squash or very occassionaly fizzy drinks when at their Nan's houses. 
The one drink i will not ever let my kids have are (by Robinson's again i think???) are Fruit shoots!
They had them once as a treat when out.. but never again.
x-x-x