The Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association (ABDA) strongly supports the taxation of sugar- sweetened beverages (SSBs) to help reduce sugar consumption and improve public health.
ABDA also supports the Sweet Talks initiative.
In the World Dental Federation 2024 Policy Statement adopted in Istanbul, the FDI, of which Antigua and Barbuda is now a Parliamentary member, advocates for the taxation of sugar-
sweetened beverages. The Federation is composed of 193 member countries. Taxation of sugary beverages is a global effort and should not be viewed negatively in any way. It has been shown to improve population health. The FDI further emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and awareness to promote healthier choices and reduced sugar consumption.
Consider the following. A single can of soda contains 10 to 11 teaspoons of sugar. The World Health Organization recommends no more than 10 teaspoons per day, while the FDI
recommends a maximum of 6 teaspoons. One can of soda already exceeds these daily recommendations.
Excessive sugar intake harms both general and oral health. It contributes to rising rates of tooth decay, periodontal disease, gingival inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Some countries have even labeled sugar as “the white poison” or “the new tobacco.”
“When we know better, we can do better,” said ABDA President, Dr. Deborah Akande. “We all need to drink more water. Young children can be trained to drink only water. Antigua is blessed with an abundance of fruits that can be used to make fresh juices for an occasional treat with
little or no added sugar. Infants up to six months of age thrive best on breast milk alone, without juices or sugary foods.”
Dr. Akande also noted that ABDA’s Sunny Smiles Program will resume on 13 October, bringing oral health education, data collection, fluoride applications, and dental care to eight schools, and encouraging children to “Say No to Sugars.”
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I hope nobody start crying when you see the prices increasing in the coming months. Don’t Cry please.. Just stand and clamp loudy. Hurra a bottle of Soda cost now more, Hurra a bottle of juice cost more, Hurra to put a juice in kid’s bag is more expensive now.. Hurra.
Go ahead, increase by 100 % is better.
You can’t ban it, but you will tax the hell out of it..I get it. You can’t fight the big sugar companies, but you will tax the hell out of the poor. Make it so that only the rich who can afford a soda..good move.. 😂 😆.
I guess it is one way to try and run the sweet factories out of business.
Not about rich or poor is about governments regulating your behavior. Its absolutely ridiculous.. we are not communists. This is what happens when you people want the government to save them from their own decisions. Stop , grow up and take responsibility.
You think there should be a KFC tax..
Good cause , I will support the government on banning sugary drinks.
@James..
I was being sarcastic. Sorry I didn’t put the laughing emoji.. 🤣
I was hoping that someone said exactly what you said..I second that message.
Completely in agreement too much neager hab ratten teet
The dentist should be more concerned about the toxic toothpaste that are filled with floride and destroying our teeth. This us total control over peoples lives. Sugar is bad yes but floridei is deadly. Real fuckery!!