The Singapore Government Wants To Totally Ban High-Sugar Drinks. Do You Support This?

One of the things that many Asian parents ban in their households is sugary drinks or soft drinks. None of that fizzy cola drinks or cordial drinks that our kids love to binge drink when we're not looking. But is banning it nationwide too drastic a move? The Ministry of Health (MOH) is contemplating in its efforts to cut the high sugar intake of Singaporeans, as it is a major factor for obesity and diabetes. First, they want to hear from the public. Do we agree or disagree with this ban? The MOH and the Health Promotion Board have presented four measures to cut sugar intake from drinks, which include 3-in-1 mixes, cordials, yogurt drinks, fruit juices and soda drinks. These four measures are: - Total ban on pre-packed high-sugar drinks - Single or tiered tax on high-sugar drinks - Mandatory front-of-pack labelling on sugar/nutrition content - Ban on advertisements on all platforms for high-sugar drinks, including social media and on buses DID YOU KNOW? One in four sugar-sweetened beverages contains 5.5 teaspoons of sugar or more. Singapore already does not allow the sale of high-sugar drinks in schools and on government premises. Many companies also refrain from advertising high-sugar drinks during the hours when children are more likely to be watching television. The public can give feedback on this proposal at www.reach.gov.sg/sugarydrinks or e-mail [email protected] from now till Jan 25 next year.