Sugar Awareness Week

Action on Sugar‘s yearly awareness campaign takes place this week and this year, aims to shine a light on the reality behind the many marketing and nutrition claims made by the food industry.

Latest figures show 9 in 10 children and 4 in 5 adults are exceeding their recommended daily sugar limits, increasing the risk of lifelong health issues, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay and a new report out today reveals that some snack bars contain sugar levels equivalent to a third of a child’s daily sugar limit.  

Sarah Perman, Policy Lead for Obesity for the Association of Directors of Public Health, said:

“With a majority of adults and a third of children in England overweight or obese and poor oral health being the leading cause of hospitalisation in children under five, it is vital that we take action to reduce sugar intake. Currently, too much of the food we eat has high levels of sugar. Without effective regulation, these levels can be hidden behind misleading health claims and inadequate labelling.

“Consuming unhealthy products is not the result of personal choice. People are bombarded by clever marketing campaigns, and incentivised by low prices, creating an environment where unhealthy food and drink is easily accessible, affordable and seen as desirable.

“There is no quick fix. However, we know that clear labelling, advertising restrictions, and mandatory reformulation of unhealthy foods to reduce sugar, salt, and fat can make a real difference. Locally, Directors of Public Health are working hard to create environments where healthier options are available to all. Local work must be backed by consistent national policy that makes healthier food more attractive and affordable, regardless of income or location. Only then will people have the freedom to significantly reduce their sugar intake – an important step in being able to live a happier, healthier life.”