Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa
A New Zealand study of beverage purchases shows consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks remains high, accounting for one third of the average household drinks budget, prompting renewed calls for a sugary drinks tax.
“The findings of this study are a stark reminder of the urgent need to drive down consumption of sugary drinks with an industry levy,” Health Coalition Aotearoa food policy expert panel co-chair Sande Gates said.
The University of Auckland study assessed annual household purchases of beverages from 2015 to 2019 and found a slight reduction in the spend on sugary drinks over the period equated to a teaspoon of sugar per person, per week on average – not nearly enough to result in health improvements.
Lead author, Heart Foundation Senior Fellow Dr Helen Eyles said the study findings show Government intervention is needed to achieve the necessary declines in consumption to reduce the risks of disease.
Major risks posed by high dietary consumption of free sugars include dental caries, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recomm
