Doc backs TV-star call for sugary drink tax

One of Derbyshire’s leading, Dr Rosenbaum runs practices in Matlock and Totley, and said action is needed to reduce the daily sugar intake from sugary drinks in a bid to tackle obesity levels and tooth decay, highlighted in Oliver’s C4 show ‘Sugar Rush’.

The principal at Springmount dental practice, Matlock said: “Sugar is the most important factor in the development of tooth decay and so a concerted campaign to educate children and parents and initiatives such as Jamie’s sugar tax and better food labelling would be welcome.”

A levy of 7p per can could raise up to £1bn per year, said the chef.

This could be used to support preventative strategies in the NHS and in schools, said the chef, while new figures show tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions in primary school age children.

“What is tragic is that tooth decay – which causes so much pain and misery – is largely preventable,” added Nigel, who is also a clinical teacher in implant dentistry at the University of Sheffield.

“When you think that a typical 330ml can of fizzy drink can contain as much as eight or nine teaspoons of sugar, you can see what a tough challenge it is.”