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Drink companies urged to speed up sugar-reduction process

Published:Sunday | January 6, 2019 | 12:00 AM
Minister of Health, Christopher Tufton (second right), with the new zero-sugar drink developed by Coldfield Manufacturing Limited (Big Jo), at the launch held at the Clan Carthy Primary School in St. Andrew on Thursday (January 3). Others (from left) are Principal of the school, Sheldon Richards; Member of Parliament for South East St. Andrew, Julian Robinson; Chairman of the company, Ian Wong; Managing Director, Brett Wong; and Chairman of the school board, Donald Foster.

(JIS):

Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton has implored drink manufacturers to speed up the process of reducing the sugar content in their products.

He said that the move is a critical part of the national effort to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD).

The minister was addressing the launch of Coldfield Manufacturing Limited's (Big Jo) zero-sugar drinks at the Clan Carthy Primary School in St Andrew last Thursday.

He commended the company for the move, which, he said, is in the interest of public health.

He noted that there is a strong link among excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, childhood obesity, and the development of NCDs later in life.

"The effort of Coldfield Manufacturing with this new product and others who have begun to reformulate their sugary drinks is a good thing because you are raising the standard in the industry," he pointed out.

Dr Tufton used the occasion to remind the public that the guidelines regarding the restriction of sugary drinks in public schools and health facilities are now in effect.