Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton - file photo
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Dr. Christopher Tufton
The Ministry of Health is to provide a breakdown of the levels of sugary drinks that will be allowed in schools following a meeting to be held with manufacturers.
Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton on Tuesday announced a restriction on sugary drinks for schools beginning January 2019.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry Wednesday, Dr. Tufton said meetings are to be held next week with manufacturers to provide guidelines in relation to the restrictions and to address any issues that may arise during the discussions.
But the Health Minister said a collective effort is needed for the enforcement of the restrictions on sugary drinks in schools.
"Schools have a role to play, the manufacturers have a role to play - they do have sales people on the road going and selling the products and so they have to appreciate that part of the policy is that they should not; and we will engage various methods to try and ensure the enforcement," he asserted.
Dr. Tufton suggested that manufacturers should view the planned restrictions on sugary drinks as an opportunity to provide better alternatives.
"Your entrepreneurial creativity should suggest to you that what you need to do now is start think about what the alternatives are... And if we are saying 'don't give them this and that', it means that you have to provide something else," he insisted.
The minister sought to allay fears that the restrictions will compromise the business model of manufacturers, arguing instead that it will simply provide an opportunity for them to adjust their models.
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