TEN months after announcing it would ban sugary beverages from the local health district, 96 per cent of drinks sold across the district are now compliant.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Figures from Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), released on Wednesday, revealed how widespread the ban has become.
MLHD launched the initiative last April amid alarming statistics about sugar intake and health conditions, including the fact 50 per cent of Australians were consuming more sugar than recommended and half of that intake is coming from drinks.
“The evidence link is very clear between sugary drinks and overweight and obesity,” MLHD chief executive Jill Ludford said.
“Drinking the equivalent of one can of soft drink (daily), when consumed in addition to your body’s energy needs, can lead to 6.5kg weight gain per year.”
A special video outlining the reasons for the initiative will be released on Monday and shared on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms.
