- The UK Government has FINALLY released its childhood obesity plan, driving for a sugary drinks tax despite industry lobbying.
- The document even hints at plans to label sugar in teaspoons!
- But health campaigners are disappointed in the lack of restrictions on junk food marketing.
The UK Government is making history with its sugary drinks tax, confirmed again in the new and highly anticipated childhood obesity plan. But as a whole, the report reveals some gaping holes in the Government’s’ strategy.
We’re thrilled to see that the Government has pushed forward with the tax, despite massive industry protests (including a “Face the Facts, Can the Tax” campaign representing more than 400,000 UK workers).
The obesity plan also hints that they are considering labelling sugar in teaspoons on packaged food (fingers crossed this goes through!). The plans doubles down on the Government’s efforts to support families to eat well, such as providing healthy grocery vouchers for low-income households.
Schools face a makeover in the new plan, too. The Government promises to overhaul canteens and direct sugar tax revenue into healthy breakfast clubs and new sports programs that ensure at least an hour of exercise daily.
Yet, health advocates such as Jamie Oliver are frustrated that other policies – like restrictions on marketing junk food to children – have been scrapped in the final draft.
Manufacturers will also be “challenged” to reduce the sugar by 20 per cent by 2020, but it’s not compulsory. Even supermarkets agree that this part of the strategy is weak!
With nearly a third of UK children overweight or obese, we definitely agree. Yes, it’s a positive start, but we’re hoping that the Government toughens its stance before the policies are set in stone.
What do you think of the UK Government’s plan?
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