The Observer view on our health and the sugar-peddling food industry
Observer editorial | The Observer | Sunday 18 January 2015
The state has to play a more dynamic role in legislating food manufacturers and marketing.
The London Eye, a landmark since the Millennium, welcomed the first day of a new sponsor yesterday. Coca-Cola plans to play “an even greater part in future moments of happiness and celebration in the capital”, according to Jon Woods, general manager of Coca-Cola UK and Ireland. It’s ironic that the arrival of the red and white trademark colours of a global drink renowned, in its original form, for providing a shocking nine spoonfuls of sugar per 330ml can, comes at the end of a week in which, as in every week, 500 children received hospital treatment for dental decay, and there have been a stream of warnings about the health of the nation. We are swallowing far more sugar, salt and fat than is good for us – or the public purse.
