Stronger action needed on fizzy drinks, says FGDP(UK)

The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) says that a newly-published study underlines the need for stronger action to reduce the consumption of sugar from fizzy drinks.

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.

The Faculty's Dean, Dr Mick Horton, 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.”

 

Notes to editors

1.            The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) is based at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. It provides services to help those in general dental practice raise standards of patient care. It does this through standards setting, providing education courses and assessments, CPD, policy development, research and publications. Membership of FGDP(UK) is open to dentists and other registered dental professionals.

2.            The study, Cross-sectional survey of the amount of free sugars and calories in carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages on sale in the UK, is available at http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/11/e010874.full.

3.            Action on Sugar’s public policy recommendations are at http://www.actiononsugar.org/News%20Centre/Surveys%20/2016/189696.html.

4.            For FGDP(UK) enquiries, please contact Jamie Woodward, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, on 020 7869 6759 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

5.            Receive the latest news and updates from FGDP(UK) by following us @FGDP_UK on Twitter or on FacebookGoogle+Instagram and Linkedin.

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