The UK has been chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) to lead the new Sugar and Calorie Reduction Network to take global action on sugar and calorie reduction.
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, announced on Monday 13 September at the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, the formation of a network to work with countries across Europe to reduce sugar and calorie intake. WHO’s EU region is much broader in scope than the European Commission coverage.
Following Professor Whitty's announcement:
- Over 50 countries encouraged to sign up to network, set to launch in Spring 2022
- The network will address rising rates of global obesity by cutting sugar and calories in food and drink products
The UK has agreed to use its world-leading expertise in domestic sugar and calorie reduction to support its European neighbors. By reducing the sugar content of HFSS (Products High in Fat, Salt and Sugar) together with the food and beverage industry, it is hoped our products will become healthier and help reduce the current obesity rates worldwide.
Network member countries will share their learning and technical expertise to encourage manufacturers to restructure their products by reducing the amount of sugar, or calories, in food and beverages to create healthier products.The Department of Health and Social Care’s new Office for Health Improvement and Disparities – launching on 1 October – will lead national efforts to improve and level up the health of the nation by tackling obesity, helping improve mental health and promoting physical activity.
