New evidence review outlines methods of reducing sugar consumption

The government has published the results of a new evidence review assessing a broad range of measures aimed at reducing excessive levels of sugar consumption.

Entitled 'Sugar reduction: the evidence for action', the report concludes that a range of factors is contributing to an increase in sugar consumption in the UK, and that a correspondingly broad range of actions is needed in response.

As such, it was suggested that the volume and number of price promotions in retail and restaurants could be curbed, alongside efforts to cut back on the marketing and advertising of high sugar products to children.

It was also proposed that the sugar content and portion size of everyday food and drink products needs to be reduced. Additionally, the review considered the potential utility of a sugar tax, deeming it to be potentially effective, but less so than the other suggestions.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: "A broad and balanced approach is our best chance of reducing sugar consumption to healthier levels and to see fewer people suffering the consequences of too much sugar in the diet."