Public Health England (PHE) have released a detailed report assessing the progress made during the first year of the sugar reduction programme.
The report, aimed principally at the food industry and public health bodies, includes a detailed assessment of the progress made so far by the food industry in reaching a 5% reduction in sugar in the first year of the programme. The overall ambition is for all sectors of the food industry to achieve a 20% reduction by 2020 in the level of sugar that contributes most to the intakes of children and teenagers up to the age of 18, so this report also indicates progress made towards this overarching goal.
Headline results from the report include reductions in sugar levels in 5 out of the 8 food categories where progress has been measured.
There was a 2% reduction in total sugar per 100g for retailers’ own brand and manufacturer branded products, as well as a 2% reduction in the total amount of calories in retailers’ own brand and manufacturer branded products that are likely to be consumed in one sitting.
There was also a general reduction in the calorie content of products likely to be consumed in a single sitting in 4 out of 6 categories where calorie reduction guidelines were set and where progress has been measured.
The report also includes an assessment of changes in sugar levels in drinks covered by the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) during the same period.
There has been an 11% reduction in sugar levels per 100ml for the drinks included in the SDIL, relating specifically to retailers’ own brand and manufacturer branded products. The calorie
content of these drinks (specifically those likely to be consumed in one serving) also fell by 6%.
There was, in addition, a shift in volume sales towards products with levels of sugar
below 5g per 100g, which are not subject to the levy.
The full report can be downloaded here.