Will we ever get rid of sugar in our diet?

I’VE placed a motion to be discussed by Hampshire County Council that the Government release immediately Public Health England’s review on child obesity strategy. Dr Sarah Wollaston MP, Commons Health Committee chair, has attacked the decision to delay publishing this review, which was carried out to find ways of reducing sugar intake. My motion would oblige the council to ask the Government to introduce a sugar tax to discourage the amount consumed and to implement legislation for clearer labelling of the sugar content in drinks and food products, as suggested by chef Jamie Oliver when he gave evidence to the Health Select Committee. These changes are essential for people to make informed choices and to counteract the impending damage to public health and the resultant impact on the NHS.

Cllr A. DOWDEN, Chandler’s Ford, Hants. CONSUMING too much sugar has been blamed for the sharp increase in obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) agrees the government and others should address this. it’s important that a strong focus is placed on educating the nation about maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet where sugary drinks and snacks are enjoyed in moderation. Recent improvements in labelling have already helped. Defra has reported that the average intake of sugar added to food and drink or released in processing dropped by 9.7 per cent between 2011 and 2014. Further transparency on labelling and better education on nutrition is the approach we support. - J. N HART, AVA, Saunderton, Bucks.

IF HOSPITALS were serious about reducing sugar intake (Mail), they should stop selling such items, not increase prices, which does not make a lot of difference except in making more profit.

- C. WARREN, Basildon, Essex.