The size of chocolate bars produced by Mondelez International, Nestle, and Mars Inc. are reportedly planning to shrink the size of their chocolate bars by 20% in a bid to meet the demands of new regulations on sugar intended to curb obesity soon to be implemented by the UK government, the UK’s Sunday Times reported Feb. 5.

“The move will avoid the manufacturers being named and shamed in a series of Public Health England (PHE) reports on child obesity, the first of which will be published in March,” an article by The Telegraph [UK] explained.

The 20% amount proposed by Mondelez, Mars, and Nestle mirrors Public Health England’s goal of reducing sugar contents in popular food products by 20% through 2020, The Telegraph report noted. The Independent [UK] noted in a report that the companies agreed to make the reduction following a meeting with the health agency.

The reports are expected to contain further targets for sugar content reductions. “It is said the percentage reduction will be calculated based on the average sugar content per 100g of product or reduction in product sizes,” The Independent reported.

Numerous food companies have come under fire recently for the sugar contents of their products amid rising obesity rates in many countries.

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