High sugar intake has been associated with tooth decay in children, and increased risk of obesity and heart disease in adults.

A number of countries are implementing structural policies designed to reduce intake of foods high in sugars, including taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, warning labels on packaged foods with added sugars, and sugar reduction targets for packaged foods.

A recent publication from the DIET Programme team outlines proposed targets that would reduce, by 20%, the total sugar content of packaged foods and beverages commonly consumed by New Zealand children through reformulation (i.e. healthier recipe) and/or reductions in portion size.

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