Health Minister Urges Beverage Manufacturers to Reduce Sugar Content

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is urging beverage manufacturers to adopt measures that support the reduction of sugar content as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote healthier consumption patterns and lifestyle choices among Jamaicans.

He made the call while addressing the official opening ceremony for the newly renovated Belfield Community Health Centre in St. Mary on February 19.

While noting, “it’s not my place to advise a manufacturer what to do,” Dr. Tufton said, “government policy can be used to guide manufacturers to reformulate”.

Questioning the high sugar content in some beverages on the market, the Minister highlighted that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended sugar content per serving is 2.5 grams per 100 millilitres.

He noted that, “we have in some instances 17 grams, 20 grams, 10 grams, or even far more”.

Against this background, Dr. Tufton encourages Jamaicans to make informed decisions by examining product labels and choosing healthier options.

“Look for the one with the lowest sugar per milllitre per serving because, the truth is, sugary drinks come with side effects,” he advised.

Concurrently, Dr. Tufton appealed to manufacturers to implement changes that would support national health goals.

“Let us look at how we reformulate. Why not cut the size and offer single-serving sizes as opposed to two and three serving sizes,” he implored.

Dr. Tufton further indicated that the Ministry will lead by example within public health facilities.

“I’ve given instructions that in all our health centres and hospitals, including Belfield, we will comply with sugary drinks that are no more than the WHO stipulation, 2.5 grams per 100 mil, and smaller serving sizes,” he said.

“That information is filtering throughout the system because, I believe, as health institutions, we must set the example. I am prepared to work with the Regional Health Authorities, the Boards, the Chief Executive Officers, and others, to enforce that,” the Minister added.

The need to reduce sugar consumption was emphasised by Medical Officer of Health for St. Mary, Dr. Tamara Henry-Gilpin.

“Studies are showing that we are taking too much sugar. Studies show that with every increase in the number of sugar treatment beverages you take in, there’s an increased risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes, and there’s an increased risk of death from every cause,” she stated.

Dr. Henry-Gilpin further emphasised the magnitude of the problem locally, noting that “one in every eight persons in Jamaica is diabetic and one in every three persons is hypertensive”.