OHA Roundtable Shows Practical Solutions for Free Sugars Are Within Reach

In a hands‑on workshop, hosted on 25th March 2026, participants applied the DHSC technical guidance to three everyday products – a vegetable lasagne, a fruit‑layered yoghurt and a roasted vegetable pizza – using only back‑of‑pack information. The wide variation in results reflected the real‑world constraints faced by NGOs and researchers, who do not have access to detailed product specifications available to manufacturers.

Presentations from the University of Oxford, the University of Leeds and Nesta showcased emerging methodological approaches to calculating free sugars. While still under development, these approaches demonstrated that workable solutions are achievable.

There was strong consensus on what is now needed: clearer guidance and more worked examples in the final DHSC technical guidance, better enforcement of existing labelling rules, and, in future, a central “backstop” calculator and shared reference data to support consistent calculations across the sector.

Overall, the roundtable showed clear alignment on how to move forward and a shared commitment to enabling effective implementation of the 2018 NPM, strengthening the impact of existing advertising and promotions regulations on public health. Over the coming weeks, the OHA will be continuing to work with the NPM working group to respond to the ongoing consultation to apply the 2018 NPM to existing regulations, which closes on 17th June.