Regulation & safety

One million livelihoods depend on South African cane sugar, says the industry. Pic:getty/lcswart

What next for South Africa’s sugar tax?

By Rachel Arthur

It sounds like it’s going to be a familiar story: health campaigners want a sugar tax, the beverage industry doesn’t. But in South Africa there’s an additional dynamic: a massive sugar-growing industry that’s already facing huge challenges. Acknowledging...

GettyImages/Dimitriosfos

Could USDA limit the provision of flavored milk in US schools?

By Teodora Lyubomirova

In a bid to provide healthier meals and reduce the amount of sugar and salt consumed by school kids, the USDA has proposed several updates to the school nutrition standards, with flavored milk potentially excluded from some kids' menus.

Even 'just the one' drink involves risk, says the new Canadian guidance. Pic: getty/happy photon

New Canadian drinking guidelines call for stricter alcohol policies

By Rachel Arthur

A Canadian report on health and alcohol suggests health warnings, minimum unit pricing and stringent advertising restrictions for alcohol should be implemented in the country: as it delivers its message that ‘no amount or kind of alcohol is good for your...

Getty | handmade pictures

Collaborate to reduce energy drink health risks, scientists warn

By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Scientists are calling for a European legal framework for energy drinks (EDs) to regulate maximum levels of active components, volume size, and initiate labelling improvements to mitigate health risks from excessive exposure.

The findings provide 'pause for thought about the contrast between unrestricted designs in alcohol packaging, and the plain packaging legal requirements for cigarettes'. Pic: getty/shablon

Study assesses influence of alcohol packaging on young people

By Rachel Arthur

With some young adults admitting they purchase alcohol solely on pack appeal, researchers from the University of Stirling in Scotland say further studies should consider the potential of stronger regulation of alcohol packaging.

Pic:gettydilokklaisataporn

UK consumers still need help understanding what hard seltzers are

By Rachel Arthur

While the hard seltzer market in the UK is increasing, a large number of consumers still don't fully understand what the product is. Brands, therefore, should take extra care to ensure that consumers realize the product is alcoholic, according to...

Pic:getty/filippobacci

Guest article

Fat, salt and sugar reduction policies and their impact on sports drinks

By Andrea Solana, Whitehouse Communications

On-going policy efforts to tackle high amounts of fat, salt and sugar in foods and drinks in the EU and the UK are a step in the right direction to ensure a healthy food environment and tackle skyrocketing obesity levels. But a nuanced approach that considers...