Public Health Expert Backs Sugar Tax As Rates Of Decay Soar Among Pre-school Children
A public health expert has called for the introduction of a tax on fizzy drinks and confectionary in a bid to tackle rising levels of decay among three year olds in the UK.
Professor Simon Capewell, from Liverpool University’s Public Health and Policy Department, suggested that at least 20p should be added to the price of a can of pop, as research shows that levels of decay are rising among young children. Professor Capewell believes that increasing the price of fizzy pop and sugary products would decrease consumption. Decay is now the most common cause of hospital admissions in young children, which is alarming, as dental care is free for children on the NHS and decay is a preventable disease.
Professor Capewell said that fizzy drinks are widely available and they are cheap; if children are used to drinking and eating sugary foods and drinks, they become accustomed to it and they want more and more.
The most recent statistics show that more than 13 per cent of 3 year olds on the Wirral and around 10% of pre-school children in Knowsley, Liverpool and St Helens, showed signs of decay.
According to Professor Capewell, who is also the leader of the Action on Sugar campaign, more needs to be done to protect children from unhealthy food choices and parents need to be aware of the dangers of dental decay. Children as young as 2 years old are being admitted to hospital requiring extraction under general anaesthetic and this is a very worrying situation.
Julie Webster, a public health expert at the Wirral NHS trust, said that the figures are very concerning, as decay is completely preventable. She echoed Prof Capewell’s advice and suggested that parents pay more attention to diet.
Join this Discussion