Public Health England calls for reduced sugar intake
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- Published: Thursday, 03 July 2014 08:05
- Written by News Editor
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Public Health England (PHE) has published a paper, 'Sugar Reduction: Responding to the Challenge', discussing the nation's sugar intake. In the paper, PHE is calling on charities, businesses, retailers and consumers to work together to reduce the amount of sugar we eat as a nation. However it was earlier reported that ministers had ruled out introducing a “sugar tax” on unhealthy snacks.
The link to PHE England is at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/phe-kick-starts-debate-on-sugar-reduction
Public Health England said ‘By analysing dietary data and discussing food habits with stakeholders, we have identified a range of areas that need exploring further.’ PHE already runs successful marketing campaigns designed to promote healthy living. To build on this, we also want to look at the way foods are being advertised to children, financial measures that relate to sugar sweetened drinks, food procurement across the public sector and education and training.
PHE has received a draft report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN): ‘Carbohydrates and Health’. PHE is particularly interested in SACN’s research because it is clear that the nation is consuming more sugar than the UK’s current recommendations. Diets high in sugar can contribute to excess calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Dr Alison Tedstone, Chief Nutritionist at Public Health England, said: “Eating too much sugar is harming our health; excess sugar and calorie intake leads to being overweight and obese and consequently having a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and breast and colon cancer. Currently a third of our 10 and 11 year olds are overweight or obese with the majority coming from the most deprived communities which is unacceptable. This paper sets out issues for discussion on how to help the nation to reduce its sugar intake. We look forward to working in partnership with the wider public health community and other key stakeholders on improving the nation’s diet.”
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