Milkshakes and juice firms told to slash sugar...
JUICE and milkshake manufacturers have been urged to slash sugar and calories to combat childhood obesity.
The drinks are not affected by the Government’s soft drinks sugar tax but have been set separate guidelines by Public Health England (PHE).
Fruit juice companies have been challenged to cut their sugar content by five per cent by mid-2021.
Milkshake producers should endeavour to reduce their sugar content by 20 per cent and cap products at 300 calories, PHE said.
Smoothies and drinks “likely to be consumed in one go” should have a calorie cap of 150 calories, it added.
The proposal is part of PHE’s programme to reduce childhood obesity.
PHE said fruit juice accounts for 10 per cent of sugar consumed by four to 18-year-olds – though a quarter of a pint of juice can provide one of a person’s “five a day” portions of fruit and vegetables.
Sweetened coffees, hot chocolates and smoothies are also all expected to have to meet the new guidelines.
PHE said the exemption of juices and milkshakes from the soft drinks levy will be reviewed by the Government in 2020.
Its guidance covers pre-packaged drinks and those sold at cafes, restaurants and fast food chains.
PHE nutritionist Samantha Montel said: “Milkshakes and juice drinks can make a significant contribution to children’s sugar intake.
“Consuming too much sugar is one of the main causes of children leaving primary school overweight or obese and suffering with tooth decay.
“The drinks industry has a key role to play in helping to tackle this by reducing the amount of sugar we buy and consume.
“We have already seen positive signs from this sector and hope to see them step up even more to the challenge.”
Gavin Partington, of the British Soft Drinks Association, said: “Given that the nation is not consuming enough fruit, vegetables and fibre, it is important that any sugar reduction targets put on a category do not inadvertently undermine foods which provide these sources.”