12 Feb 2020 --- Policies on the labeling, marketing and taxation of sugary soft drinks positively impact the behavior of consumers in drinking less sugary beverages, as well as manufacturers, who continue to reduce sugar in formulations. This is according to two new studies published in PLOS Medicine examining the role of policy in the UK and Chile, respectively. With the UK soft drink industry levy (SDIL) in effect for almost two years and countries including South Africa and Portugal following suit, the industry is seeing a pronounced global anti-sugar sentiment. In fact, the SDIL has resulted in faster reformulation compared to other public health policies. However, part of the sugar levy is shouldered by consumers, which may be a contributing factor in decreasing purchases, experts note.
