Federation of Bakers Respond to “Action on Sugar”

The Federation of Bakers is deeply concerned to learn that bread has been included in a call to action by Action on Sugar, urging manufacturers to reduce levels of added sugar in food.

“The vast majority of bread produced in the UK has no added sugar. The particular bread product referenced by Action on Sugar has no added sugar. The fact bread is included in a list of foods that all contain added sugars is confusing to the public. The amount of naturally occurring sugar in UK bread is very low,” according to Gordon Polson, director of the Federation of Bakers.

He added: “Sugar is not normally used as an ingredient in sliced, wrapped bread in the UK. In fact most UK bread contains 2-4% sugars which occur naturally (in the form of maltose), and are not added.”

Referencing bread in relation to added and hidden sugar in food is misleading, according to the release issued by the Federation of Bakers. Bread makes an important contribution to carbohydrate, fibre, iron, calcium and thiamine intake and therefore is a valuable part of a healthy, balanced diet.