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FOOD SUGARS
FACTS: IN OUR DIET
4 kcal
When too many calories are consumed (from
whatever source) and left unbalanced with
physical activity, this will lead to weight gain.
Sugars
can be
enjoyed
safely
While some
Also,
while have
some have
claimed that
that sugars
foods
claimed
can“addictive”,
be “addictive”,
are
the the
evidence just
just doesn’t
doesn’t
evidence
support this
this theory.
theory.
support
A comprehensive science
review carried out by the
ar
d
to
independent advisory nutrition
f a varie
committee to UK Government
confirmed that sugars can be enjoyed safely as part of
a varied diet. The report made clear that excess sugars
leads to excess calories, and it is the excess calories that
are linked to obesity and its associated diseases, rather
than sugars specifically.
p
ALCOHOL
7 kcal
FAT
9 kcal
Many sugars-containing
products are subject to
Existing VAT on food and drink raises well
over £10bn for the Exchequer annually.
Additional taxes on certain
products have not been found to
influence diets over the long-term
where they’ve been trialled.
We share Government’s view that a
comprehensive approach is the answer to
tackling obesity, not new taxes.
Sugars
content
is clearly
labelled
on-pack
20%
VAT
Too much
Under EU law this
must be provided as
‘total sugars’.
N
INFORMATIO
NUTRITIONAL PORTION AS % REFERENCEE
INTAK
PER
100g
5g)
UES PER
PREPARED (17
TYPICAL VAL
8%
653kj
8%
kj
373
155kcal
3%
Energy (kj)
88kcal
2.2g
5%
Energy (kcal)
1.2g 0.9g
10%
Fat
0.5g
g
25.5
es
9%
of which Saturat
14.6g
7.8g
Carbohydrate 4.5g
2.7g
of which Sugars
1.5g 6.9g14%
Fibre
4.0g 0.67g11%
Protein
0.38g
s
Salt
tains 2 portion
This sachet con
‘Public Health
England is not aware
of evidence that
indicates sugar is
addictive’
(Source: Sugar reduction:
Responding to the challenge
June 2014 P11)
UK ‘free-sugars’
consumption is
on a long-term
downward trend...
...BUT is higher than
recommended
Not enough
If sugar is present in food
and drinks this is included
within the ingredients list.
It must also be listed in
the nutritional information.
et
PROTEIN
as
Calories per gram
4 kcal
Sugars are not a specific
cause of obesity
di
SUGARS
For further information email
[email protected]
or call 0207 836 2460.
6.1%
since 2010
Sat fat
Free sugars
Salt
Fruit
Vegetables
Oily fish
Fibre
(Source: National Diet & Nutrition Survey)
(Source: Defra Family Food Survey)
There are practical
barriers to labelling sugars
in teaspoons
Most packaged products
carry front-of-pack
A teaspoon isn’t a precise or
consistent unit for measuring nutrient nutrition information for
energy (calories) plus
content which is why grams are used.
fat, saturates, sugars and
E.g.
salt in grams. Dietitians
encourage people
Table sugar
(sucrose) = 4g
to look at all of this
information, not only
sugar, so they know
Honey = 7g
what’s in their overall
(5g of which is sugar)
diet.