The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has refused to set a limit on sugar intake for consumers in the EU, appearing to query data linking sugary drinks to obesity.

EFSA said that it would set no daily upper limit on sugar intake “due to insufficient evidence” on sugar’s health effects.

“This is because the possible health effects are mainly related to patterns of food consumption – ie the types of foods consumed and how often they are consumed – rather than a relation to the total intake of sugars itself,” said EFSA in a report on dietary reference values last week.

EFSA is the EU’s top food safety body.

Its judgement comes as the UK Food Standards Agency begins a three-year campaign to persuade drinks makers to reduce added sugar in their beverages.

EFSA left the door ajar for EU member states to set their own policies as they see fit.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Evidence regarding patterns of consumption of sugar-containing foods should be considered by policy makers when making nutrition recommendations and developing food-based dietary guidelines at national level,” it said.

Stay informed for just £1! *

Subscribe to Just Drinks for unbiased coverage of the global drinks industry, offering insights into the corporate strategies of beverage manufacturers and brands worldwide.


What’s included in your subscription:
  • Unlimited access to Just Drinks content including daily global news, in-depth analysis, and interviews with C-suite executives
  • Unbeatable coverage of categories from beer, wine and spirits to soft drinks and hot beverages
  • Unrivalled drinks industry comment from leading sector specialists

Ready to stay informed? Subscribe now and gain access to exclusive content.

Subscribe

Have a subscription? Sign in

For further details on subscribing, click here. Need multi-user access? Explore our corporate subscriptions now.

*After your 1-month trial, your subscription will continue at £315 per year.