Singapore could be the first country in world to outlaw sugary drinks

Baku. 5 December. REPORT.AZ/ Singapore’s war on diabetes just got real. The country’s Ministry of Health (MOH) is now considering to drastically cut down everyone’s intake of sugar by way of higher taxes on high-sugar packaged drinks, banning all ads involving sweetened beverages, and a total ban on them, Report informs foreign media.

As part of its efforts, MOH is now seeking public views on four possible measures it has narrowed down, and all of them target pre-packaged sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, energy drinks, juices and yoghurt drinks.

The four measures are Mandatory Front-of-Pack nutrition labels, advertising regulations, excise duty and total ban.

Among the developed countries Singapore occupies one of the highest places in the number of diabetes, about 11%.

Experts estimate that on average, each Singaporean consumes about 12 teaspoons of sugar per day, about 60 grams, and half comes from fizzy drinks.