Gazette readers back calls for healthier practices across food industry in daily poll

There has been a "striking" reduction in the sugar content of soft drinks since the introduction of the fee, which came into effect in 2018.

We asked in our Facebook poll: “Do you think more companies across the food industry should adopt healthier practices?”

More than 500 people took part in our online vote and 80% of readers agreed that more companies should adopt healthier food practices.

This is what you had to say on Facebook:

Heather Ditchburn Curry said: “It’s about letting people make their own decisions and teaching parents about cooking proper meals, not about reducing the amount of sugar in everything.

“There are those who live a reasonably healthy life who enjoy the odd sweat treat.

“Why should we all suffer because some people don’t know when to stop?”

Jacqueline Sprouting said: “People should be able to make there own mind up and maybe teaching children to make a real meal will help encourage correct eating. Everyone is entitled to eat a big dirty burger once in a while.”

George Hyde said: “Let people choose what sugar intake they want/need themselves, why does everything have to be forced onto people, life is all about choices I say.”

Kath Pollard said: “Reduce sugar but stop using sweetener in everything.”

Col Suddick said: “People are free to make their own decisions.”