UK-based grocery and general merchandise chain Tesco is considering implementing sugar reduction targets to its own-label suppliers in the new food and drink categories.
Tesco group quality director Tim Smith has declared the company's intentions by citing a Public Health England (PHE) report carrying the title "Sugar Reduction: The Evidence for Action", that recognizes food and drinks that carry highest levels of dietary sugar intake among children, The Daily Meal reports.
The findings of the report, which was published in October, stated that the biggest contributors of sugar intake in the UK for children were soft drinks, biscuits, buns, cakes, puddings and pastries.
Based on the findings, Tesco recognised an immediate need for sugar reduction targets.
Tim Smith was quoted by The Daily Meal as saying: "The central part of our work will be on reformulation and reviewing portion sizes."
Over 4,200 Tesco products have already been reformulated to minimize fat, salt, and sugar. Among the products that have been reformulated according to the newly set sugar targets, ketchup, chicken nuggets, and strawberry jam figure, The Daily Meal reports.
The challenge, however, lies in reducing sugar in other food segments where it has a pivotal role to play, the Tesco quality director told Foodnavigator.com.
The PHE report called for various measures seeking reduction in children's sugar intake along with a reduction in marketing and advertising of high sugar food and drink products across all media channels. The report also urged for a clearer definition of high sugar food on food labels and a price hike on high sugar products through a tax or levy.
