Food and Drink Federation welcomes Public Health England's sugar report

22 October 2015 by Hannah Thompson

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has welcomed the publication of Public Health England (PHE)'s report today into the need to reduce the national consumption of sugar.

It did oppose the idea of a sugar tax, however.

The comments come in light of today's release by PHE, named Sugar Reduction: The evidence for action, which begins "We are eating too much sugar and it is bad for our health".

The report recommends that "it is time for action" when it comes to the nation's sugar consumption, and that the recommended average maximum intake of sugar should be halved, and not exceed 5% of the individual's total dietary energy - about 25g, or six or seven teaspoons for the average adult. It is estimated that an adult's average dietary intake is closer to the 15% mark, and according to the BBC a typical can of fizzy drink contains about nine teaspoons of sugar.

The report also suggests that all catering and leisure sector workers receive accredited training in diet and health, and recommends a tax of 10-20% on high-sugar products. The latter of these suggestions was rejected by the FDF.

FDF director general Ian Wright said: "We welcome the publication today of PHE's report since all policy-making should be evidence based. The food and drink industry is determined to play its part in tackling childhood obesity. Steps are already in hand to ensure that high fat, salt and sugar foods will not be advertised to children. Likewise, the industry has already removed millions of calories from the food chain and will continue to make progress on this through reformulation and changes to portion/pack sizes."

He added: "However we do not agree that the international evidence supports the introduction of a sugar tax and for this reason would oppose such a move."

The comments and report come soon after celebrity chef Jamie Oliver called on MPs to introduce a sugar tax, and "healthy fast food" group Leon introduced a 10p levy on all its drinks containing added sugar.

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