KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw, has welcomed the idea of increased use of local produce such as cassava and sweet potato in the milling of flour.

Shaw, who was addressing the Opening Ceremony of the Healthy Options in Baked Goods Seminar held Monday, July 23 at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston, noted the proposed expansion in the offering of flour that is currently being contemplated by industry players.

The annual baking seminar was hosted by Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)-/Jamaica Flour Mills, with the main objective being, this year, to equip bakers with formulation options to reduce the sugar content in their baked products. This is geared at aligning the baking industry with Government’s thrust to reduce the impact of too much sugar in the diet, a release from the ministry says.

Shaw congratulated both the ADM/Jamaica Flour Mills and UTech for their collaboration in addressing the issue of excessive use of sugar, making reference to sugary drinks such as bag juice, which is popular in Jamaican schools.

He urged school administrators and tuck shops to prepare for the restriction on sugary drinks that will take effect in January 2019.

The restriction, which is part of the Government’s response to the obesity crisis, applies to beverages that contain sugar or syrup that is added by the manufacturer. It does not include100 per cent juice or unsweetened milk.

Studies show that obesity in adolescents 13 to 15 years increased by 68 per cent and doubled in boys over the past seven years. Obesity-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the top health concern for Jamaicans.