Readers’ letters

SUGAR? MAN, IT’S BAD

Re “The man who tried to warn us about sugar” (February 23). This article reminds me of a Time magazine cover many years ago which stated “Cyclamates can cause Cancer”. I followed the story with an investigative journalist who found out that the research was paid for by the sugar industry and that one had to consume a whole cupful of cyclamates to “maybe” cause cancer. However, following this article, sugar consumption in the US went up dramatically, driving up obesity levels. Who won? The sugar industry and big pharma. Who lost? The health of the people.

Professor John Yudkin’s career was sacrificed at the altar of big business, which by and large doesn’t worry about the health of the nation but only about the health of its bottom line. Saying no to sugar in our homes needs more publicity if we are not to be overcome by a diabetes 2 epidemic. The big pharmaceutical companies love sugar for what it does for them. — Peter L’Estrange

BRING BACK BARRY

I must express my disappointment at the fact that for the last two weeks you have not had Barry Ronge’s Spit ’n’ Polish column in Lifestyle.

For years this column has been the main reason I buy the Sunday Times. It is my special treat to turn to the back page and read Spit ’n’ Polish. I take such pleasure in Barry’s writing, which is always well researched and informative. I laugh, groan, agree or disagree with what he has written. Please bring him back, or I will have nothing to brighten up my week. — Brenda Firmani