The Commons ' Health Committee has called for the introduction of a tax on sugary drinks as part of a set of measures to tackle child obesity in England . The committee ’s report also recommended restrictions on marketing and advertising . The government has so far resisted such a tax , which sugar industry representatives claim would penalise consumers . The committee also recommends clearer labelling of products showing sugar content in teaspoons and a campaign to force the government to reduce sugar in food and drink as has happened with salt . " Sugary drinks are the single biggestF source of sugar for 11 to 18-year - olds .
The Commons ' Health Committee has called for the introduction of a tax on sugary drinks as part of a set of measures to tackle child obesity in England . The committee ’s report also recommended restrictions on marketing and advertising . The government has so far resisted such a tax , which sugar industry representatives claim would penalise consumers . The committee also recommends clearer labelling of products showing sugar content in teaspoons and a campaign to force the government to reduce sugar in food and drink as has happened with salt . Sugary drinks are the single biggestF source of sugar for 11 to 18-year - olds .