Diabetes Australia is proud to face with the Rethink Sugary Drink Alliance in in the present day’s name for obligatory labelling of teaspoons of sugar on all sugary drink packaging.
This can be a essential step in tackling Australia’s rising kind 2 diabetes epidemic and bettering 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 customers and contributing to a nationwide well being disaster.
“Sugary drinks stay one of many largest sources of added sugar within the Australian weight loss plan, contributing closely to rising charges of obese, weight problems and persistent illness,” Ms Cain mentioned.
“A single 600mL gentle drink can comprises as much as 16 teaspoons of sugar, greater than twice the World Well being Organisation’s advisable day by day consumption of added sugar, and but many Australians simply don’t know the way a lot sugar they’re consuming.
“Elevated consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed meals is contributing to an increase in kind 2 diabetes in Australia.
“For individuals of their 20s and 30s we’ve seen a 44% enhance in kind 2 diabetes previously decade. We merely can not ignore the function that extremely marketed, high-sugar drinks are enjoying on this pattern,” Ms Cain mentioned.
“Teaspoon labelling makes the invisible seen. This type of reform is not only smart, it’s pressing.”
Ms Cain mentioned Diabetes Australia strongly helps Suggestion 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 exhibits added sugar in teaspoons is overwhelmingly supported by the Australian public,” she mentioned.
“Right this moment’s analysis from Most cancers Council Victoria exhibits 4 out of 5 Australians agree that is the sort of clear, trustworthy labelling they need to see. That is about giving individuals the knowledge they should assist their very own well being.”
Knowledge from Most cancers Council Victoria’s 2024 Form of Australia survey exhibits 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 typically fall into this class. Many of those drinks include 9 or extra teaspoons of sugar per serve.
Different international locations 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 swimsuit.
Ms Cain mentioned kind 2 diabetes is likely one of the most pressing and expensive persistent well being challenges dealing with Australia in the present day.
“We now have greater than 1.3 million Australians residing with recognized kind 2 diabetes, and an estimated 500,000 extra residing with silent, undiagnosed kind 2 diabetes.
“We should act now to stem the tide, and clearer labelling of added sugar is a straightforward however highly effective software that may assist individuals make extra knowledgeable decisions.”
For extra data and sources, go to www.rethinksugarydrink.org.au or www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
About Diabetes Australia
Diabetes Australia is the nationwide organisation supporting all individuals residing with or vulnerable to diabetes. We put individuals first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, customers, well being professionals, researchers and the neighborhood.
For extra data go to: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
