UK government face backlash over inconsequential sugar cuts

The UK government has come under scrutiny over claims they are not doing enough to reduce sugar consumption across the nation, as a report by Public Health England (PHE) reveals only 3% has been cut from food products in three years.

The report has triggered calls for measures to be put in place that call for compulsory cuts to sugar products across the board, particularly for products aimed at children.

PHE launched its campaign back in 2016 intending to reduce childhood obesity levels by offering a voluntary target for food suppliers to cut sugar levels in their products by 20% by 2020.

The agency acknowledged that progress across a range of products is "mixed," with critics suggesting more drastic actions - such as taxation - must be taken to reduce obesity levels.

In its third annual report, based on 2019 data, PHE reports that both retailer and manufacturer-branded breakfast cereals and yoghurts have seen a 13% reduction in sugar levels between 2015 and 2019 but the sugar levels in chocolates and other confectionery have remained relatively unchanged.

A levy on soft drinks has proven effective, however, as sugar levels in colas, lemonades and other soft drinks have fallen by as much as 44% since 2015, with many companies taking out sugar to avoid the tax.

Sugar levels in puddings and desserts have gone up by 2% since the report began.

The report states an average across-the-board cut of only 3%, well below the desired level.

Health minister Jo Churchill said: “On sugar reduction, particularly in products like breakfast cereals, yoghurts and ice-cream, we have achieved some much-needed progress. This will make it easier for everyone to make healthier choices, but it’s clear more can be done.

“Covid-19 has highlighted obesity and how important it is to tackle it. Our recent announcement of the obesity strategy includes world-leading measures such as a TV watershed for advertising food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar, and consulting on how we can introduce a ban online. If more action is needed to support individuals to lead a healthy life, we will go further to help them.”

Some pressure groups have called for a change to the measures - which are currently voluntary - to become legally-binding.

Professor Graham MacGregor, the chairman of Action on Sugar, a charity dedicated to reducing sugar levels in food products owing to its health impacts, said: "Apart from the sugary drinks levy, it's abundantly clear that the government's voluntary sugar reduction programme is simply not working, after reporting a dismal 0.1% reduction in sugar between 2019 and 2019."

"Food and drink companies that want to do the right thing are crying out for a level playing field, which can only be achieved by setting mandatory targets for calorie and sugar reduction. The soft drinks levy has shown us that this approach is both best for business and best for everyone's health, including people from disadvantaged groups."

Caroline Cerny, of the Obesity Health Alliance, called for tougher action.

She said: “It’s clear from this report that the food industry is unable or unwilling to reformulate voluntarily and it’s now time for a different approach."

Diabetes UK also called for the government to come up with a plan of action.

Helen Dickens, an assistant director of policy for the charity, said: Clearly, the government’s voluntary approach is not working. The government has recently committed to a new, bold obesity strategy, but it didn’t contain any new commitments around cutting sugars and their actions in this area, thus far, have been insufficient.”

The Food and Drinks Federation (FDF) has welcomed PHE's report.

Its chief operating officer, Tim Rycroft said the industry was making good progress in cutting sugar from milky drinks, adding it is  “showing once again voluntary action by industry works when realistic goals are set."

He said: "Compared with four years ago, FDF members’ products now contribute 11% fewer calories, 11% fewer sugars and 14% less salt to the average shopping basket and the PHE’s ambitious targets would not be met overnight."

However, he stressed the 2019 data is not reflective of products on the market currently where further progress may have been made.

According to current estimates, most adults and children consume more than twice the recommended daily allowance of sugar. Two-thirds of adults and obese and one-third of children are obese by the time they start secondary school.

Surprisingly, the UK ranks 6th in the world regarding dental health, despite its high average sugar consumption annually. However, this has been attributed to a large number of dental schools and dentistry being a popular profession nationally.

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