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 proposes restrictions on marketing and advertising. The government has so far resisted such a tax, which food industry representatives claim would penalise consumers. The committee also recommends clearer labelling of products showing sugar content in teaspoons and a drive to force the industry to reduce sugar in food and drink as has happened with salt. A spokesman said: “The Government is committed to tackling childhood obesity.
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 proposes restrictions on marketing and advertising. The government has so far resisted such a tax, which food industry representatives claim would penalise consumers. The committee also recommends clearer labelling of products showing sugar content in teaspoons and a drive to force the industry 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.