Yesterday, the Ministry of Health released its new food and nutrition guidelines for healthy children and young people, for health practitioners, and updated two public information resources to reflect changes.
Child and youth health chief adviser Dr Pat Tuohy said he was concerned by a recent finding many children ate treat foods most days.
The "empty calories" filled children up without nourishing them.
For the first time, the guidelines recommend older children (aged 13-18) do not consume energy drinks. Previously, they were recommended in moderation for older children. Now, they are not recommended for anyone 18 and under.
Mother Kristalee Barton said parents must lead by example. If parents consumed the wrong food and drink, they could not tell their children to behave differently.
She was pleased the ministry strengthened its advice on energy drinks, which were entirely unsuitable for children and young people.
A food adviser for the Dunedin Parents Centre, Mrs Barton said she had seen children as young as 7 consuming energy drinks.
