Calls for new action on sweets

Health campaigners are calling on the Government to introduce an “energy density levy” on confectionery to tackle obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Action on Sugar and Action on Salt said a “much more robust and hard-hitting” strategy was needed to cut childhood obesity as new figures showed the food industry had failed to meet a sugar reduction target set by the Government.

They said “mandatory imperatives” in the Government’s second chapter of its obesity strategy, due next month, should include an energy density levy introduced on confectionery set at a minimum 20% and uniform colour-coded labelling on front of pack and all menu items in restaurants and cafes.

They have also called for only healthy food products to be marketed on TV and eventually a ban on all sweet advertising similar to those on cigarettes.