Charity Calls for ‘Decisive Government Action’ to Tackle Excessive Sugar Consumption by Children

Excessive sugar consumption by children, including in schools, requires “decisive government action” and updated nutrition policies, health campaigners have said. Sugary foods are “almost inescapable” for most children and readily available in schools, Action on Sugar said on Tuesday. A survey by the charity found that consumption of three sweet snacks a day for children, some of which are sold in school canteens, can add up to more than 1,326 calories or nearly 23 teaspoons of sugar. It also showed that a combination of popular sweets, such as cakes, chocolate bars, and biscuits, can pack 92.5 grams of sugar if consumed over the course of a day. This is the equivalent of three times the recommended daily sugar limit for children aged 11 and above....