Saudi Food Authority launches campaign to tackle added sugar risks, promotes healthier products
SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Food and Nutrition Authority has initiated a week-long awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers of added sugar, promoting public education, and encouraging manufacturers to reduce sugar content in food products.
As part of its participation in the global initiative “World Action on Salt & Health – World Action on Sugar,” the authority announced significant progress in sugar reduction efforts.
Five companies have successfully cut sugar levels in juices by up to 20%, with some replacing added sugar with lactose sugar, according to Shaimaa Al-Asfour, Deputy Director General of the Authority.
The campaign coincides with Diabetes Awareness Week and includes a range of activities designed to engage various audiences.
Events at the authority’s headquarters, as well as educational sessions in accredited nutrition-friendly schools, aim to inform students about the importance of minimizing sugar intake.
A seminar in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce celebrated companies that achieved sugar reduction in their products, presenting them as role models for the industry.
Additionally, an awareness ceremony for the general public will take place at the Promenade complex later this month.
Al-Asfour emphasized the importance of collaboration between the authority and food manufacturers to develop healthier products. “Protecting public health is a shared responsibility,” she stated, urging all manufacturers to commit to further reducing sugar content in their offerings.
Highlighting the health implications of high sugar consumption, Al-Asfour cited studies indicating that sugar intake in many Middle Eastern countries ranges from 9 percent to 15 percent of total daily energy, surpassing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 10 percent and the preferred target of less than 5 percent.
Excessive sugar intake is associated with obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay, particularly among children.
The authority is also working on amending school canteen food regulations to align with international standards and Kuwait’s vision, with field visits and workshops aimed at raising awareness among students.
Al-Asfour reiterated the authority’s role in protecting community health by setting food policies and standards, emphasizing the importance of reducing added sugar consumption, and supporting manufacturers in reformulating products to benefit public health.
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