CURBING FAT, SALT AND SUGAR

PepsiCo’s 2010 UK Health Report keeps coming up in discussions about improving our diet. It’s easy to see why, because we’re given well presented facts and evidence of sound action. Despite having been involved in the debate about nutrition and health for more then 25 years, I was taken aback by some information quoted from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey using 2008/09 data for adults aged 19 to 64.

• Cereal and cereal products including cakes and bread are responsible for 30% of sodium, 20% of added sugar and 18% of saturated fat intake.
• Meat and meat products account for 28% of sodium and 26% of saturated fat.
• Milk and milk products contribute 22% of saturated fat, 8% of sodium and 6% of added sugar.
• Carbonated and still soft drinks make up 17% of added sugar, alcoholic beverages 13% of added sugar and fruit juice 8% of added sugar.

I had thought milk would be higher and cereals lower. Both alcohol and fruit juice are above what I imagine most people would expect too.