Children’s desire to eat sweets could be related to the needs of physical growth, claim scientists from the University of Washington. They found that cravings for sweet products increased when children were growing the fastest. The findings could have implications for future regulation, as it suggests that children have a biological need for sweet products. Europe’s food industry is currently under pressure to reduce sugar levels in its products, and the advertising of high-sugar products is strictly controlled in some Member States. Childhood nutrition and rising levels of obesity remain pressing concerns for regulators and industry alike.