U.K. April Sugar Tax

U.K. Sugar Tax

April 20, 2018

The United Kingdom Sugar Tax

The United Kingdom Sugar Tax recently came into Effect, April 2018. This tax increases the purchase cost of a sugar-sweetened drink. Hopefully, increased price will reduce intake of sugar-sweetened drinks. Short term studies have shown that a tax on sugar sweetened drinks does reduce consumption (in the short term). The long term results are not yet available.

The Sugar Tax should reduce Obesity

As a result of sugar taxes, some soft drink manufacturers are already reducing the sugar content. The British tax hopes to reduce escalating rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom. Hopefully future improvements in the heath of British children will result. In Australia, significant increase in obesity,” type 2” diabetes, cardiovascular disease, tooth decay and bone density problems are being observed. The Australian Medical Association is very concerned and is lobbying for an Australian sugar tax.

Other Sugar Taxes

Twenty eight countries have adopted the tax in some form. England joined this list in April. Jamie Oliver is well known to have lobbied the UK government tirelessly to help achieve this. In Australia while the AMA supports such a tax, the main political parties do not. The Greens support such a tax. The Beverage Support Groups claim that a tax will not reduce obesity, cost jobs and will be difficult to administer.

Sugar levels and consumption

The World Health Organisation recommends adults consume no more than six teaspoons of sugar per day, but the average Australian consumes more than double that. A 375ml can of Cola contains ten teaspoons of sugar. It may be argued that evidence doesn't exist to conclusively show that a sugar tax will fix these medical problems. By itself it probably cannot. These medical problems need many forms of management. A reduction in sugar loaded drinks is one way to begin.

Sugar and dentistry

From a dental perspective improved general health would be wonderful. A reduction in sugar intake should also reduce tooth decay even further. Twenty Seven per cent of Australian children aged 5-10 years have untreated tooth decay. The biggest cause appears to be sugars. Reduction in consumption of sugary drinks containing excessive free sugars levels should help lower rates of decay.