Health experts in the UK have launched a fresh campaign to put pressure on the Government and various industries to cut the sugar content of food and drinks by up to 30%.
Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Liverpool, Simon Capewell, is part of a new group called 'Action on Sguar', who are bidding to force manufacturers to slash levels.
Capewell claims that "sugar is the new tobacco. Everywhere, sugary drinks and junk foods are now pressed on unsuspecting parents and children by a cynical industry focused on profit not health.” It says the reduction could reverse or halt the obesity epidemic and would also have a significant impact in reducing chronic disease. The campaign group says flavoured water, sports drinks, yogurts, ready meals and even bread are among the everyday foods that are affected.
Dr Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist and the science director of Action on Sugar, said: “We must particularly protect children from this public health hazard and the food industry needs to immediately reduce the amount of sugar they are adding.”
But Barbara Gallani, director of food science and safety at the Food and Drink Federation, which represents UK manufacturers, said that "sugars consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet are not a cause of obesity.”
© 2013 - European Supermarket Magazine by Kevin Kelly
