The analysis of the sugar and calories in sugar sweetened carbonated drinks, conducted by the Action on Sugar campaign group and published in the BMJ Open, reveals that the average 330ml can contains more sugar than an adult's recommended daily maximum intake of 30g (equivalent to 7.5 teaspoons), with some containing over 52g (12 teaspoons).
FGDP(UK) is supporting the authors' calls for further steps to be taken to cut the amount of sugar consumed from fizzy drinks in order to reduce the incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and dental caries.
Mick Horton, dean of FGDP(UK), said: “The recent news that some manufacturers and supermarkets are reformulating their soft drinks ranges is welcome, and shows that the Sugar Tax is working even before its implementation. However, the fact that the average fizzy drink contains more sugar than an adult should consume in an entire day, and three quarters of them contain more than a child's recommended maximum, proves they simply cannot form part of a healthy and balanced diet, and stronger action is needed.
“Further restrictions on advertising of high sugar drinks, and a ban on price promotions, would help stop tens of thousands of children having to be hospitalised to have their teeth extracted, and if the Government makes reformulation to under 5g of sugar per 100ml mandatory, the savings to the NHS will far outstrip the tax foregone, and more importantly the nation’s health will be improved.”