Sugar problem will crash health system

THE health establishment has been overwhelmed by the problems excessive sugar consumption are causing.

The problem is getting so bad it will soon crash the health system.

The food industry, much like the tobacco industry did before it was slapped with punitive costs for hiding the addictive nature of nicotine, is taking no responsibility for the growing health crisis in our country.

Obesity in children is an alarming manifestation of the intake of too many calories. Many other health problems are also evident. The tax on drinks will not provide consumers with information they need.

I therefore wish to urge activists and concerned roleplayers to demand legislation that will compel food manufacturers to show the actual sugar content of a product by affixing a white strip on each package or bottle that corresponds in width with the amount of sugar in the product.

If 10% of the product is sugar, the white strip must cover 10% of the package or bottle.

Shapes and sizes of bottles and boxes must allow for fair comparisons to be made between products of a similar nature.

Food manufacturers who do not wish to face massive claims in the future should be transparent and reveal graphically the actual quantity of sugar in each item.

Sugar cannot remain an unquantified ingredient. People have a right to know exactly how much sugar they are consuming to determine what impact their dietary habits are having on their health and well-being.