Sugar Consumption Explodes: Annual Amount Already Reached in August

According to the WHO, no more than ten percent of daily energy intake should come from free sugars, which is a maximum of 50 grams for adults. Foodwatch called for the introduction of a tax on sweetened beverages and the Nutri-Score nutrition label.

Adults in this country consume almost 92 grams of free sugar per day on average, it was reported. According to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), free sugar includes all types of sugar added to foods and beverages. This also includes sugar found in honey, syrups, fruit juice concentrates, and fruit juices. A glass of lemonade already contains up to 32.5 grams of sugar, according to AGES.

To raise awareness of overconsumption and the resulting health crisis, the organization Foodwatch declared "Sugar-Overload-Day." The consequences are "severe," with 3.7 million adults in Austria being overweight, according to Foodwatch. Every fourth girl and every third boy of primary school age are already suffering from overweight, it was reported. The health risks range from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.

Sugar Tax Demanded

Sugar is often well hidden and also present in foods where it is not immediately apparent. Especially children's products are often over-sugared, according to Foodwatch. The organization identified a failure in food policy and called for political measures such as the introduction of a sugar tax, especially on sweetened beverages, and the removal of VAT on fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the organization advocated for the introduction of the Nutri-Score nutrition label.

(APA/Red)

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