Rejection of sugar tax labelled ‘irresponsible’
A leading dental health charity in the UK feels the decision by the government to reject overwhelming calls for a sugar tax is a major opportunity lost in the urgent need to promote healthy living and improve the quality of life for millions.
The British Dental Health Foundation believes the decision could mean further suffering for potentially thousands of the country’s children, as sugar related tooth decay remains the number one reason for hospitalisation of children in the UK.
The petition, which was organised by Chef Jamie Oliver on the back of his Sugar Rush documentary, was signed by more than 140,000 people but was dismissed by the government following debate. In their response the government stated they had “no plans to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages”.
Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, explained why he believes the government’s decision is misjudged.
Nigel said: “The British Dental Health Foundation has strongly supported Mr Oliver’s renewed calls for the introduction of a ‘sugar tax’, with experts believing a tax of just 7p per regular sized can of soft drink with added sugar could generate £1bn per year to treat health problems caused by sugar.
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