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John Self @john-self.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

Thinking back to this superb piece of trolling by the editor of the Guardian letters page in 2015.

First letter:

• In the light of Jamie's Sugar Rush, I hope not to see another emollient letter from the head of advocacy for AB Sugar in the Guardian. The industry's line is always to stress that sugar is just one of several issues linking food and health and a holistic approach is the only solution. Not true! A simple ban on adding real sugar to artificial drinks, and compulsory health warnings (not traffic lights) on fruit drinks containing natural sugars, would go a long way towards a solution. The industry will cope.
Tim Grollman
London

Second letter:

• With reference to Gaby Hinsliff's recent article on sugar consumption, it is important to remember that there is no magic bullet when it comes to tackling obesity. Gaby correctly points out that we need to look at diet within the context of lifestyle.
Government data shows that, despite a 12.5% fall in total sugar consumption over the last 14 years, obesity rates continue to rise. Obesity is a complex issue and one area that is important to consider is the contribution of a balanced diet. So while reducing calories - which could include sugars - can help people lose or control their weight, as part of this the starting point should be calories (energy) in and calories (energy) out.
What's required is collaborative action to find real and workable solutions to tackle this multifaceted issue.
Katharine Teague
Head of advocacy, AB Sugar

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John Self @john-self.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

I imagine the next board meeting of AB Sugar went something like: “Well, Katharine, did you manage to get out right of reply in the Guardian?” “Provided you have no supplementary questions: yes.”

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