Diabetes Australia is proud to face with the Rethink Sugary Drink Alliance in at this time’s name for necessary labelling of teaspoons of sugar on all sugary drink packaging.
It is a essential step in tackling Australia’s rising sort 2 diabetes epidemic and enhancing the well being of all Australians.
Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain mentioned the present lack of clear, easy-to-understand labelling of sugary drinks was failing shoppers and contributing to a nationwide well being disaster.
“Sugary drinks stay one of many largest sources of added sugar within the Australian weight loss program, contributing closely to rising charges of obese, weight problems and power illness,” Ms Cain mentioned.
“A single 600mL comfortable drink can incorporates as much as 16 teaspoons of sugar, greater than twice the World Well being Organisation’s advisable every day consumption of added sugar, and but many Australians simply don’t understand how a lot sugar they’re consuming.
“Elevated consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed meals is contributing to an increase in sort 2 diabetes in Australia.
“For individuals of their 20s and 30s we’ve seen a 44% enhance in sort 2 diabetes up to now decade. We merely can not ignore the position that extremely marketed, high-sugar drinks are taking part in on this pattern,” Ms Cain mentioned.
“Teaspoon labelling makes the invisible seen. This sort of reform is not only smart, it’s pressing.”
Ms Cain mentioned Diabetes Australia strongly helps Advice 3 of final 12 months’s Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes, which requires the introduction of front-of-pack labelling for added sugars.
“Entrance-of-pack labelling that reveals added sugar in teaspoons is overwhelmingly supported by the Australian public,” she mentioned.
“At this time’s analysis from Most cancers Council Victoria reveals 4 out of 5 Australians agree that is the type of clear, trustworthy labelling they wish to see. That is about giving individuals the data they should assist their very own well being.”
Knowledge from Most cancers Council Victoria’s 2024 Form of Australia survey reveals widespread public confusion round what constitutes a sugary drink. Just one in 4 respondents recognised sports activities drinks as sugary, and one in three didn’t realise fruit drinks usually fall into this class. Many of those drinks include 9 or extra teaspoons of sugar per serve.
Different nations together with Chile and Mexico have efficiently carried out front-of-pack labelling insurance policies that embody sugar content material, and Australia should comply with go well with.
Ms Cain mentioned sort 2 diabetes is among the most pressing and expensive power well being challenges going through Australia at this time.
“We now have greater than 1.3 million Australians dwelling with identified sort 2 diabetes, and an estimated 500,000 extra dwelling with silent, undiagnosed sort 2 diabetes.
“We should act now to stem the tide, and clearer labelling of added sugar is a straightforward however highly effective software that will assist individuals make extra knowledgeable decisions.”
For extra data and assets, go to www.rethinksugarydrink.org.au or www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
About Diabetes Australia
Diabetes Australia is the nationwide organisation supporting all individuals dwelling with or liable to diabetes. We put individuals first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, shoppers, well being professionals, researchers and the group.
For extra data go to: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
