| Sugar, PepsiCo + feet |
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The sugar industry is under fire like never before. Pressure is mounting for there to be less added sugar in food and drink, and companies are scrambling to justify why their products contain so much sugar.
Earlier this month, the World Health Organisation backed the introduction of a sugar tax on fizzy drinks, saying it would help save lives and reduce type 2 diabetes rates.
Long-time sugar tax campaigners will have been delighted with the news. And it’s not before time. Rates of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes are at an all-time high and taxing free sugars, from which the body gains no nutritional benefit, could cut healthcare costs worldwide.
One week after the announcement, PepsiCo Inc announced that it plans to reduce added sugar by 25 per cent in certain drinks by 2020. This is a start.
While it is right there is strain on the sugar industry, people with diabetes or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes are generally advised to avoid sugary drinks, unless treating hypoglycemia.
In the UK, the government too is acting. Theresa May (who has type 1 diabetes) and the Conservatives have announced a voluntary target for the food and drink industry to reduce sugar in products by 20 per cent. Manufacturers that adhere to these guidelines will escape a sugar tax.
It is hoped that this measure will have a similar effect to that in Mexico, which taxes added-sugar products, and has resulted in a 12 per cent reduction in sales of sugary drinks.
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