Sugar tax has been introduced in the UK with the objective to incentivise sugar reductions in drinks. Henceforth, drinks with a sugar content of over 5g per 100ml will be taxed 18p per litre, and 24p for drinks containing 8g or more of sugar. Furthermore, manufacturers have to pay a levy on the high-sugar drinks they sell.
The sugar tax, however, only applies to sugar drinks. Food items such as cakes and biscuits are not covered by the tax.
Scientific researchers have shown that sugar leads to obesity and diabetes, an epidemic that is prevalent within those who belong to the South Asian ethnic group. South Asian communities are 6 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than the rest of the population.And South Asians who do not have diabetes are said to be 3 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, however, combined with type 2 diabetes, the risk increases even further, especially among adults aged between 20 and 60 with type 2 diabetes.
Krishna Sarda, Engaging Communities Manager, Diabetes UK, shared with Asian Voice, “There is some evidence that Asian groups tend to drink more carbonated soft drinks that are high in sugars for a variety of reasons – it is hoped that the sugar tax will lead to people consuming less or changing to a product that has less sugar. Given that the Asian community are at a higher risk and develop this condition much earlier this tax is to be welcomed as part of the measures to try and reduce obesity. We need to take responsibility for our own health.”
