The Food and Drink federation have responded to a report which advises the government to cut the recommended sugar intake by half.

The reccomendations were made yesterday by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). 

Barbara Gallani, director of regulation, science and health at the Food and Drink Federation, said:

“SACN’s comprehensive analysis of the evidence on carbohydrates has looked at the role of carbohydrates, including sugars and fibre in the diet. We will look at the content of the report and its recommendations over the next few weeks with the intention of engaging in the consultation process and related discussions.”

The report stated that sugar which is added to food, or present in fruit juice and honey, should account for just 5% of the daily energy intake.

This is the equivalent of 25g of sugar a day for women, and 35g for men.

These guidelines mean that drinking just one 330ml fizzy can would meet the recommended daily allowance.

The committee developed the recommendations after reviewing 600 scientific studies on the impact of carbohydrates and sugar on health.

In line with the report, Public Health England is calling on businesses, retailers and consumers to work together to reduce the amount of sugar we eat as a nation.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: “Eating too much sugar is harming our health; excess sugar and calorie intake leads to being overweight and obese and consequently having a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and breast and colon cancer. Currently a third of our 10 and 11 year olds are overweight or obese with the majority coming from the most deprived communities which is unacceptable.

Honorary chairman of the The British Dietetic, Siân O’Shea, added: “The success of the national salt reduction programme resulted in a 15% reduction of salt consumption in the UK. We can replicate this success again if we have a platform for discussion and collaboration. PHE are providing the landscape in which this challenge can be met.”

“We strongly urge the food industry to support the promotion of healthier lifestyles and to take action by reducing sugar content in their products.”

We’ve collated some instant reactions to the report on Twitter.

[<a href="//storify.com/BritishBaker/mixed-responses-about-the-sacn-report-on-twitter" target="_blank">View the story "Mixed responses about the SACN report on Twitter" on Storify</a>]

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