Children ‘eat their’ annual sugar intake in less than six months

CHILDREN IN England are eating more than a year’s worth of sugar in less than six months, figures show.

Youngsters aged four to 10 should not consume more than the equivalent of five to six sugar cubes per day but are actually eating 13 on average, according to data from the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey.

By the end of the year that amounts to 4,760 cubes – more than double the maximum recommendation.

Children are reaching the upper recommended annual limit by the end of May, according to Public Health England (PHE) analysis.

The Obesity Health Alliance described the figures as “extremely worrying”.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: “We’re barely halfway through the year and already children have consumed far more sugar than is healthy – it’s no surprise this is contributing to an obesity crisis.

“Snacks and drinks are adding unnecessary sugar to children’s diets without us even noticing.

“Swapping to lower or no-added-sugar alternatives is something all parents can work towards.”

Squash, fizzy and energy drinks are one of the main sources of sugar in children’s diets, contributing more than ice cream and puddings together, PHE said.

Just one 500ml can of energy drink can contain 13 cubes of sugar.

Caroline Cerny, of coalition group the Obesity Health Alliance, said the “startling” figures show the Government needs to take “robust” action – including restrictions on the advertising of junk food to children.