Overview

This bill aims to reduce sugar consumption in the UK by setting targets for sugar content in food and drinks, mandating clearer sugar content labelling (in teaspoons), and regulating sugar-related advertising.

Description

The bill requires the Secretary of State to set targets for overall sugar consumption in the UK. This will be based on advice from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which will also be tasked with publishing the World Health Organisation's sugar intake guidelines in teaspoon measurements (4 grams per teaspoon). The FSA will also calculate total national sugar consumption and what it would be if the WHO guidelines were followed.

The bill mandates that food labels must display sugar content in both grams and teaspoons. It also grants the Secretary of State power to regulate food advertising, requiring disclosure of sugar content in advertisements and prohibiting the use of terms like "healthy" or "low-fat" for products with over 20% sugar.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. The costs will likely arise from the FSA's work in producing advice and calculating consumption data, along with potential enforcement costs related to advertising regulations and monitoring compliance with labelling requirements. The overall financial impact is likely to be incremental and not specified in the bill.

Groups Affected

Food Manufacturers: Will face increased costs in reformulating products, updating labels, and complying with advertising restrictions.

Consumers: Will benefit from clearer sugar labelling, potentially leading to healthier dietary choices.

Advertising Agencies: Will need to adapt to new advertising restrictions on sugar-containing food products.

Food Retailers: Will need to adjust their product ranges and promotional strategies in response to the new requirements.

Public Health Bodies: Will potentially see improvements in public health outcomes if sugar consumption decreases.

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