DT News - UK - First report released on progress by food and drink industries on cutting sugar

Dental Tribune International

Mon. 28 May 2018

save

LONDON, UK: Sugar and its harmful effects on the population have been an ongoing focus in England for some time. In 2016, as part of a broader government plan to tackle child obesity, Public Health England (PHE) challenged the food industry to reduce the amount of sugar in their products by 20 per cent by 2020. On 22 May, PHE released the first progress report on this challenge, and it showed varying levels of success.

As an initial target, PHE had set a goal of a 5 per cent sugar reduction per 100 g in the first year (August 2016 to August 2017). According to the progress report, across eight of the ten food categories, excluding cakes and morning goods, retailers and manufacturers have achieved a 2 per cent reduction. Additionally, of the top 20 brands, ranked by total sugar sales in the first year, 33 per cent showed a decrease in sugar content, 56 per cent showed no change and 12 per cent showed an increase in sugar content (combined total does not equal 100 owing to rounding).

PHE Chief Executive Duncan Selbie said, “We have seen some of the food industry make good progress, and they should be commended for this. We also know that further progress is in the pipeline. However, tackling the obesity crisis needs the whole food industry to step up, in particular, those businesses that have as yet taken little or no action.”

Unlike food manufacturers, who have achieved their results voluntarily, soft drink manufacturers included in the Soft Drinks Industry Levy saw reductions of 11 per cent of sugar per 100 ml. This is something the British Dental Association (BDA) believes is proof of the power of hard policies over voluntary action.

“The report shows that the food industry is far more willing to respond to sticks than carrots. We need a tough line on reformulation, but also decisive action on advertising to children and buy-one-get-one-free promotions in shops, which evidence shows have a huge impact on purchasing decisions,” said BDA Principal Executive Committee Chair Dr Mick Armstrong.

The next progress report is due in spring 2019.

Tags:

To post a reply please login or register

UK makes progress on sugar reduction in yogurts

LEEDS, UK: The UK government has recently taken action to reduce sugar intake in the country and called for industry reformulation of foods that contribute ...

Report underscores significant health and financial benefits of sugar-free gum consumption

LONDON, England: While chewing gum may be considered a somewhat undesirable habit, sugar-free varieties have been proved to be highly beneficial for oral ...

Report shows sugar reduction goals not yet on track

LONDON, UK: The negative impact that excess sugar consumption has on both oral and overall health is a well-established fact at this point. It comes as ...

Taking on work in progress in practice transaction

When purchasing a practice, among the many factors clinicians need to consider is the situation regarding work in progress (WIP), an area that can be ...

UK public underestimates sugar levels in popular drinks

GLASGOW – People in the UK significantly misjudge the amount of sugar in popular drinks, researchers at the University of Glasgow have found. This is ...

British organisations push for sugary drink tax

RUGBY – The British Dental Health Foundation has joined more than 60 organisations backing recommendations for a tax on sugary drinks. The movement is...

Researchers find extra 100 ml of sugary drink can increase risk of diabetes

LONDON, UK: In a further development in the fight against sugary drinks, the Oral Health Foundation has called for people in Britain to change their habits ...

Voyeur dentist released by Newcastle court

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, UK: After admitting to eight counts of voyeurism, dentist David Stocks from Stocksfield in Northumberland was released on unconditional...

Newly released denture guidelines shed light on correct maintenance and cleaning

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: As populations age, the number of people who need advice on the best denture care will rise over the coming years. Therefore, new ...

Lenders upbeat on dental funding in 2021—report

LONDON, UK: More than one-third of UK practice owners report that private revenue is higher now than it was before the pandemic, according to an insider ...

Education

On-demand
webinar