Say No to Sugar: Schools in London to be Sugar-Free by 2022

London schools should be 'sugar-free' by 2022 to protect kids from dental caries and obesity, suggest Health authorities.

At least one in four children across London suffer from tooth decay by the age of five, with some regions more severe than the others, according to the report released by London Assembly Health Committee.

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‘Are you ready to say no to sugar? Eating too many sugary drinks and sweet foods can put kids at a higher risk for developing tooth decay and childhood obesity. Hence, Health authorities urge schools in London to be ‘sugar-free’ by 2022.’
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"Sugar is one of the biggest causes," a spokesperson for the Assembly was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

One of the main precautions the report listed is to set all London schools "sugar-free" by 2022, which "means no sugary drinks, crisps or chocolate are allowed in packed lunches," the spokesperson added.

Daily requirement of sugar: How much is actually needed?

It might sound rude but there is "NO" requirement of table sugar as such. Yes, you read it right. At least not in the added forms. But there is a definite requirement of carbohydrates in the body. A minimum requirement for total carbohydrate (from all sources) is 130g /day.

British Department for Education still allows schools nationwide to serve sugary items at lunchtime, including desserts, cakes, and biscuits.

Many schools in London, however, have voluntarily become sugar-free.

Some have gone further to ban all carbonated beverages with or without sugar, only serving water instead, the report said.

The report called for supervised teeth-brushing in schools and suggested that every kid see a dentist by age one.

It also advised London Mayor Sadiq Khan to appoint a dental specialist to a government project against child obesity.

Source: IANS