KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI) is reminding schools across the country about the importance of adhering to the 2019 Interim Guidelines for Beverages in Schools.

Created in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the education ministry says the guidelines “serve as a vital tool for promoting student health by encouraging the provision of nutritious beverage options until the formal National School Nutrition Policy and Standards are formally approved and implemented.”

The ministry added that a key element of the guidelines is ensuring beverage compliance. Beverages are deemed compliant if they are unsweetened or if sweetened, contain no more than 2.5 grams of total sugar per 100 millilitres

The MOHW has established a Voluntary Registry of Compliant Beverages, which provides a vetted list of beverage options that meet the interim standards.

“This registry aims to assist school administrators, food service providers, parents, and other stakeholders in making informed choices when procuring drinks for students,” the MOESYI said.

Members of staff at schools are being advised to verify labels and documentation carefully during procurement of drinks.

The ministry also noted that once the National School Nutrition Policy is fully adopted, beverages containing artificial sweeteners will no longer be allowed.

— JIS