Health Board Policy Cuts Sugar Intake

The Canterbury District Health Board calculates it is serving almost two tonnes of sugar less each year after purging fizzy drinks and other sweetened beverages from its pantries.

“It’s important we provide an environment where healthy food choices are made easy,” said Dr Greg Hamilton, the manager of public health and community and public health.

Last year, the health board decided to rid its vending machines of sugar-loaded drinks, replacing them with bottled water and healthier options. Health officials said the net effect was to scrap 1.86 tonnes of sugar, equivalent to the weight of 112 elephants.

The CDHB is one of the nation’s biggest health providers and caters (through vending machines and cafeterias) for 8400 employees and patients.

Hamilton said it was important to lead by example, given the rising rates of obesity and the fact poor diet was a leading cause of death in New Zealand.

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