The World Health Organization, recommend the reduction of free sugars intake. It will be no surprise that many children are eating too much ‘free sugars’; sugars added to food or drinks at home, by chefs or manufacturers; honey; syrups; juices and smoothies. 

An overconsumption of ‘free sugars’ can contribute a significant amount of nutritionally poor calories to a diet, increasing the risk of overweight and obesity, and various related-diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.  

Regular consumption of ‘free sugars’ also increases the risk of developing dental caries, particularly if the food eaten is sticky or consumed between mealtimes. Dental caries in childhood progresses over the life course. Dental caries are preventable, with children unnecessarily going through pain, anxiety, and having their school attendance and performance impacted. 

Children and parents are bombarded with sugary snacks where ever they go, often with misleading claims, so it is easy to get used to the sweet taste of food from a young age, influencing future health. 

This Sugar Awareness Week, join us as we ask manufacturers to reduce the sugar in their products 

Support our campaign and join the conversation on social media by tagging us @WASHSALT and hashtag #SugarAwarenessWeek