KUWAIT CITY, Nov 17:  The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) launched an awareness campaign on Sunday to educate the public about the dangers of added sugar. The campaign also aims to help manufacturers improve the ingredients in their products, reduce sugar levels, and develop food policies and standards based on international guidelines.

During a press conference, the Deputy Director General of the Authority, Dr. Shaima Al-Asfour, stated that the week-long campaign is part of the Authority's participation in the global initiative World Action on Salt & Health—World Action on Sugar.

Al-Asfour explained that the campaign includes a variety of events. These include an awareness event at the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition headquarters and educational activities at accredited nutrition-friendly schools to raise student awareness about the importance of reducing sugar consumption. A special seminar will also be held for companies that have successfully reduced the sugar content in their products, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, to showcase them as motivational models. Additionally, a public awareness celebration will take place at the Promenade Complex next Thursday.

She emphasized that the Authority works closely with manufacturers to develop food products with lower sugar content, which helps promote community health and prevent diseases linked to excessive sugar consumption. Al-Asfour congratulated local companies that have successfully reduced sugar in their products and urged all food manufacturers to commit to lowering sugar levels. She stressed that protecting public health is a shared responsibility, beginning with raising awareness among individuals and continuing with the private sector's active role.

She clarified that free sugars refer to those added to foods or drinks by manufacturers, chefs, or consumers, in addition to the natural sugars found in honey, syrups, juices, and drinks. Excessive consumption of these sugars leads to an increase in calories with little nutritional value, which negatively impacts public health, especially among children.

Al-Asfour also highlighted that the World Health Organization recommends that free sugars make up less than 10 percent of total daily energy intake, with an even lower target of 5 percent for additional health benefits. Studies indicate that sugar consumption in many Middle Eastern countries ranges between 9 and 15 percent of total energy intake, increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay—one of the most common health issues among children.

She emphasized that the Authority plays a crucial role in protecting public health by formulating food policies and standards in line with Gulf and international guidelines and by educating the public about the dangers of added sugar and the importance of reducing its consumption. This includes field visits to schools and educational workshops for students.

In a related update, Al-Asfour announced that the regulations for school canteen foods, issued in 2021, are currently being revised to align with Kuwait's vision and keep pace with global developments.

Nawal Al-Jazzaf, Head of the Preventive Nutrition and Micronutrients Department and the School Canteens Program, mentioned that the goal is to provide low-sugar foods in schools. She pointed out that five companies have already reduced the sugar content in juices by up to 20 percent, and some have replaced added sugar with lactose. Al-Jazzaf also noted the Authority's efforts to educate students, starting in the fifth grade, on the importance of reading food labels and calculating sugar content. She referred to the nutritional monitoring program approved by the Ministry of Health, specifically in the School Health Department. (KUNA)