UK scientific committee to debate recommended sugar levels

Recommendations in healthy levels of sugar consumption could be amended in the UK following a review by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN).

The committee is currently reviewing dietary recommendations on carbohydrates – including advice on sugar – and will be considering the relevant scientific data. A  draft report with be available this summer, when it will go for public consultation.

Current UK dietary recommendations suggest that sugar should make up no more than 10 percent of daily calorie intake. However, average intakes exceed this, with Public Health England advising that most people need to reduce their sugar consumption.

Any decision taken by the committee will need to serve the best interests of the public, in accordance with the organisation's code of conduct.

Kevin Fenton, national director of health and wellbeing at Public Health England, said: "SACN invites lay, consumer and industry representatives on to the committee to ensure a broad church of skills, expertise and experience are available during discussions."

This comes as part of wider efforts by the government to combat obesity, which is becoming an increasingly pressing national healthcare concern.