Thursday, January 21, 2016

‘Radical changes needed’ to tackle obesity timebomb

‘Radical changes needed’ to tackle obesity timebomb

Radical changes including a sugar tax and regulation of junk food promotions have been recommended by government advisers as a new report revealed sugar consumption in Scotland has failed to improve in five years.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) made a raft of recommendations yesterday on how to tackle Scotland’s “health time-bomb” of obesity and poor diet, including reductions in promotion, advertising and portion control.

Experts have predicted Scotland could face adult obesity levels of 40 per cent by 2030 if current trends continue.

The independent food body will advise ministers to consider how a sugar tax could be brought in, allowing the industry a 12-month grace period to come up with an alternative to reduce sugar consumption levels.

Despite reductions a 21 per cent drop in sugary drink purchases since 2010, the amount of sugar purchasing has not changed. Industry representatives said punishing the industry which employs 34,000 people in Scotland would be a “retrograde step” and reformulation of products would be a better move.

Ross Finnie, FSS chair, said: “There can be few in any doubt now as to the gravity of the health timebomb related to poor diet and obesity facing our nation.

“Individual responsibility around food choices, exercise and activity levels remain important, but this cannot be left to individuals alone.”

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