Study: Algerians consume 42 kg of sugar per year

The Algerian individual consumes 42 kg per year compared to 20 kg in other countries. Doctors and nutritionists believe that sugar consumption in Algeria exceeded recommended rates and should be reduced.

Although the commerce ministry makes efforts to convince manufacturers and bakeries to reduce sugar and salt, reality shows “scary” figures. A liter of a drink contains 180 g while the ministry tries to reduce it to 135 g. The Health World Organization recommends not to exceed 25 g per day.

Doctor Louz Thursday told a national TV channel that sugar and salt are “white poisons” and cause destructive diseases to the human body.

She said brain, teeth, heart and arteries are affected by an excessive consumption of sugar and salt. This leads to cancer tumors, high blodd pressure, diabetes and other deadly hidden diseases.

The specialist called on parents to replace industrial juices by fruit or natural juice. “A small bottle of juice contains 6 pieces of sugar. This would be real catastrophe if we know that some children drink two bottles or more in a day.”

She added that stopping consuming sugar and salt will bring results in 6 months. This would lead to a weight loss.

Salim Kelli, quality and consumption director at the commerce ministry, said coordination is conducted with Bakers’ Federation and juice makers to reduce salt and sugar quantity.

The ministry plans to establish an Algerian observatory to keep watch on sugar and salt quantity in products.