PHE’s detailed report, ‘Sugar Reduction: The Evidence for Action’, published this month, makes eight recommendations which include:
- A sugar tax of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent
- Significantly reducing advertising high sugar food and drink to children
- Targeting supermarkets and take-away special offers
- Sugar reduction in everyday food and drink
- Ensuring the sale of healthier foods in hospitals and other public bodies
Earlier this year, BSPD produced its own position statement on obesity and dental decay in children, both conditions associated with over consumption of high sugar foods and drinks. Research shows that obese children are more likely to have decay in their permanent teeth.
Claire Stevens, media spokesperson for BSPD, said: “We are delighted to see the need for a multi-faceted approach has been recognised and hope that these recommendations will be seriously reviewed and implemented by those with the power to do so. PHE has presented compelling evidence for action on sugar.”
“We will continue to work with all stakeholders to improve children's oral health. We recognise that work is underway to improve food labelling and make it easier for parents to assess the contents of their shopping.”
Claire concluded: “We hope that PHE’s thorough, evidence based report making a case for sugar reduction is just the start so that future generations of children benefit from healthier diets and parents understand how harmful too much sugar can be to health and wellbeing, especially oral health.”