17 July 2015

Leading scientists have recommended adults and children in the UK halve the amount of added sugar they eat and drink, as part of a major report.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) says only 5% of daily calories should come from what are known as "free sugars", which include sugars found naturally in such items like fruit juice. The new recommendation is the equivalent of seven teaspoons a day for adults.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation says: "The evidence surrounding the harm caused by sugars is overwhelming and has been recognised for decades - this recommendation, while being long overdue, is most welcome and can make a significant difference to the lives of millions of people in the UK.

"Added sugars have no nutritional value and are not only the cause of tooth decay, which has seen hospital admissions among young children sky-rocket in recent years but is also a leading factor in general health conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

"One in three children starting school already have tooth decay which is a horrific thought. Added sugars have, for a long time, caused substantial damage to health, as well as place an enormous burden on already overstretched NHS budgets.

"The recommendations laid out by SACN give the government an opportunity to lower the sugar intake as advised and help put an end to our addiction and habitual behaviours and attitudes towards sugar."

The British Dental Health Foundation is supporting the petition by Mick Armstrong, chairman of the BDA, to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party David Cameron MP to cut recommended intake of added sugars by half.

Please help and support the petition by signing here: End Britain's addiction to sugar - cut recommended intake by half.