After a shocking survey revealing that children under ten years of age regularly have sugar around thrice the recommended limit, the Public Health England has initiated its barcode app. Roughly half of the children's recommended amount of sugar was met in breakfast alone.
It was revealed in a report by The Guardian that the children's intake of sugar before leaving for school was almost 11 grams every day. Further details listed cereals, various spreads and a range of drinks as the foods that contribute the most to the kids' sugar consumption. However, parents still live by the notion that their children are eating healthy breakfast.
To counteract this problem of excessive sugar intake by children, England's Public Health has decided to launch its bar code application as part of their mission to spread awareness. This will allow parents to scan food before buying it to know the exact amount of sugar and other substances in it. A nutritionist also explained how children have much more than required sugar at breakfast, which makes kids very hyper and excited.
According to National Diet And Nutritional Survey, these limits should be controlled. Otherwise, it becomes too difficult for parents to control such children, the nutritionist added. It was also remarked that healthy eating habits for children would help make parents' job of looking after children easier.
Health specialists are concerned after seeing high amount of sugars and low amount of fibers in the diets of children. Required and recommended limits have also been stated to make it easier for parents to give appropriate food.
The Public Health England has decided to start its advertising campaigns through television and outdoor activities, along with updating their website. Additionally, primary-age children and their families will also receive Be Food Smart packages. Lastly, PHE has also planned an awareness tour in England.
