Sugar Intake Slash

SACN’s report, published on 26th June, advised that just 5 per cent of consumers’ energy should be from sugar consumption.

Sugary drinks including sweetened fruit juices, squashes and fizzy drinks have been highlighted as a sector which needs tougher regulation and minimised consumption.

SACN advises Public Health England (PHE), which has stated that in line with the advice it will impose stricter regulations on advertising to children. A sugar tax is also being discussed.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Association (LGA) – which took responsibility for public health in 2013 –  has urged the government to amend the labelling regulations for foods marked as ‘healthy’, advising that while a product can rightfully claim that it is low in fat, it could be higher in sugar in order to maintain the taste and texture of the item.

In a statement published on the LGA website, Councellor Katie Hall, chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said, “Our concern is shoppers, who are trying to do the right thing and buy healthier options, are not being given the full picture. They are therefore unwittingly buying unhealthy products. In our view, this is wholly wrong and needs to be changed.

“We are calling on the European Commission to deliver on its long-held promise to introduce robust, scientifically-validated nutrient profiling and provide consumers with a balanced and accurate picture of what they are buying. We also want the British Government to put pressure on the Commission. Manufacturers should be prevented from marketing a product as ‘low fat’ when they are actually laden with added sugar and salt.

“Typically, manufacturers seek to appeal to certain health-conscious markets for consumers. Food products, which are being marketed with the healthy ‘halo’ as being low-fat but which contain hidden sugars, are also a major driver of dental disease.

“Obesity is one of the biggest public health crises this country has ever faced and it is imperative that consumers are given the full picture when it comes to buying food. This is all about enabling shoppers to make informed choices.”