Excess consumption of sweetened beverages threat to future generation – FG

The Federal Government has described the excess consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) as a threat to the future generation, as the attitude is high among children and adolescents.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said this on Wednesday at the National Conference on SSBs Tax in Abuja.

Pate was represented by Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director, Public Health Department, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

“Excess consumption of Sugar-sweetened beverages has become a significant public health concern and a threat to the future generation as its consumption is high among children and adolescents.

“Numerous studies have linked high consumption of SSB to an increased risk of tooth decay and cavities, weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and other NCDs.

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“The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that limiting the intake of sugar-containing drinks can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and healthy dietary patterns (WHO 2020).”

The minister said that the conference aided a part of the advocacy campaign for the implementation and sustainability of the SSBs tax as a strategy to control the consumption of SSBs in the country.

According to him, this will consequently reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD).

“Taxation on SSB has shown effective reduction on its consumption in countries where it is in force.

“The introduction and sustenance of SSBs tax in Nigeria will reduce excess consumption of SSBs and thus reduce the burden of NCDs.

“We are committed to attaining the global best practice as recommended by the WHO of at least 20 per cent of the final retail price on all SSBs as the current N10 per litre price fails to achieve this.

“This commitment aligns with other government efforts to improve the public health of the Nigerian populace to meet the global priority of significantly reducing premature death due to NCDs, he added.