To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in achieving targets for reducing the incidence of childhood obesity; and what steps he is taking to increase (a) availability to and (b) uptake by children of reduced sugar versions of beverages and foods.
The most recent data in the Health Survey for England showed that the estimated prevalence of obesity among children 2-10 years was 15.4 per cent. in 2007. The NHS Information Centre have indicated that the trend in the prevalence of childhood obesity may have begun to level out over the last two to three years. Confirmation of this change will require at least one more year's data.
The Food Standards Agency's Saturated Fat and Energy Intake Programme encompasses work to reduce consumption of, and levels of, sugar in food and drink. As part of this, the agency will shortly consult on voluntary recommendations for action by the industry to reduce added sugar in soft drinks.
The Government have also launched the Change4Life campaign which provides messages on reducing intake of added sugar.
Further work to limit sugar intake in children is being taken forward by the School Food Trust, e.g. providing healthier foods in vending machines and the introduction of nutrient based standards for school lunches. In addition, Ofcom has restricted the broadcast advertising of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar during children's programmes and programmes of particular appeal to children up to the age of 16.
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