Get Guardian on Google
The Federal Government has described the excess consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) as a threat to the future generation, as its consumption is high among children and adolescents.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, said this at the National Conference on SSBs Tax in Abuja, yesterday.
Represented by the Director, Public Health Department in the ministry, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, the minister said: “Excess consumption of SSBs has become a significant public health concern and a threat to the future generation, as its consumption is high among children and adolescents.
[ad]
“Numerous studies have linked high consumption of SSB to increased risk of tooth decay and cavities, weight gain, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).”
The World Health Organisation (WHO), he noted, advises that limiting the intake of sugar-containing drinks can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and healthy dietary pattern.”
Pate said the conference aided part of the advocacy campaign for implementation and sustainability of the SSBs tax as a strategy to control the consumption of SSBs in the country, and reduce the burden of NCDs.
“Taxation on SSB has shown effective reduction in its consumption in countries where it is in force,” he added.
[ad]
