WHO declares war on hidden sugars in fight against obesity
The World Health Organization on Wednesday urged the recommended daily intake of hidden sugar be halved, as it steps up the fight against obesity. The UN health agency had previously issued guidelines that sugars should make up less than 10 percent of a person's total daily energy intake, but in a new twist urged countries to strive for half that amount. The UN agency pointed out that much of the so-called free sugars we consume today are "hidden" in processed foods that are not usually seen as sweet such as ketchup, which contains a full teaspoon of sugar in each tablespoon. WHO has for more than a decade recommended keeping sugar consumption below 10 percent of a person's total daily energy intake — a target it considers clearly supported by scientific evidence which countries should adopt as policy.
