Following the Government’s confirmation of the extension of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to include milk and yogurt-based drinks, Dairy UK Chief Executive Dr Judith Bryans has today issued the following comment:
“Our products play an essential role in providing valuable nutrition – with milk and yogurt-based drinks a convenient, affordable and tasty way for many, especially children, to meet their recommended intakes for a range of nutrients. They provide calcium, protein, B vitamins, iodine, zinc, phosphorus – not to mention the role of some yogurt-based products in promoting good gut health. It’s therefore disappointing that the Government has decided to push ahead with plans to expand the sugar levy, impacting some dairy products.
“That said, we’re pleased the Treasury took on board feedback about the unique composition of dairy and have included a lactose allowance within their proposals to address this. This will ensure that dairy companies do not pay the levy on naturally occurring lactose, as this is not a public health concern.
“It is also welcome that the Government has increased the sugar threshold and extended the implementation date to 2028; this gives dairy companies valuable time to reformulate their products to meet the sugar thresholds.
“As an industry we support the drive to better public nutritional health and our members will continue to deliver reductions in sugar through reformulation to support healthier choices for the public.”
