MINISTER of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton says new policy guidelines restricting sugary drinks in public health facilities is a critical step towards improving the health of Jamaicans.

According to Tufton, public wellness institutions must lead by example in promoting healthier dietary options.

“We are promulgating policies and programmes for a healthier population. We must practice what we preach. We must also give the opportunity to our staff to also be able to exercise healthier options, because it’s good for staff morale and staff well-being. We must use the opportunity to create a demonstration effect across the country to say that we also believe in what we are doing or saying, and therefore we must comply with those rules,” Tufton said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer Tuesday.

He said the policy prohibits sugary drinks that exceeds the limits of 2.5 grams of sugar per 100 millilitres being sold or served within all government-operated health facilities, including but not limited to health departments, hospitals, and health centres. This mirrors guidelines already applied in schools. The mandate also recommends caffeine content to be less than 10 milligrams per serving.

The policy instead recommends the replacement of such beverages with plain water, unsweetened flavoured and infused water, unsweetened juices and coconut water, unsweetened milk, milk products, or milk substitutes.

Tufton added that canteens and commissary operators across public health institutions were advised and directed via the new policy to comply, with some time allowed to transition existing stock.

“So there is a need for better accountability around this. But I do believe that the team and the leadership are capable and able to do so. So they have been served some notices and asked to allow for a transition period and to follow through on these guidelines that have been provided for them, not just on sugary drink, but on nutrition generally,” he said.

Tufton further told the Observer that enforcement measures were also in place, pointing out that inspectors were tasked with carrying out checks to ensure that standards were met and maintained throughout health facilities.

“The regional authority boards have been mandated to hold the regional directors, parish managers, and other leaders within the specific entities across each region accountable. So there will be inspections that will be carried out. We have a nutrition unit at corporate. They have nutrition officers within the regions, and they will work through that network to assess the success of implementation,” he said.

The minister explained that the move is part of a broader shift towards prevention in Jamaica’s health care system rather than relying heavily on treatment.

“To focus only on curative measures, more hospitals, more hospital beds is unsustainable. And this is borne out not just in Jamaica, but across the world, where health-care costs have become astronomically high and depriving many people of access or the quality of access,” he said.

Tufton underscored that excessive sugar consumption remains a major contributor to obesity, which, in turn, increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

He added that sugar was just as harmful as any other addictive or abused substance, noting that the new policy was an additional step in the Government’s attempt to lessen the high rates of its consumption.

Beyond sugar restrictions, the minister also highlighted that the Government has been advancing multiple initiatives for the betterment of Jamaicans, including updating workplace nutrition policies, tobacco legislation, and discussions around front-of-package labelling, alcohol regulation, and the elimination of trans-fats.

“So the science is very clear, and we have been able to demonstrate that. What we’re asking for is reformulation to begin a process along with the other initiatives to prevent, rather than just focus on curing illnesses…So we have to place more emphasis on prevention, and this one elects itself based on the prevalence of consumption and the impact of excess sugar on the body,” said Tufton.