Not so sweet warning by Health Ministry

Thursday, 09 February 2012 21:01

Hotels, restaurants, tea kiosks and cafeterias where sugar is being used as a sweetener are to be advised to display a health warning regarding the excessive use of sugar and the diseases caused by it.

In a bid to minimise the rapid increase of sugar induced diseases like diabetes, the Health Ministry has taken steps to issue guidelines on the consumption of sugar, Health Ministry spokesman W.M.D.Wanninayaka said.

He said according to a circular sent to Provincial Health Services Directors (PDHS) by Health Services Director General Dr. Ajith Mendis, PDHS will take measures to make sure that restaurants and hotels display a health warning prominently, on excessive sugar consumption at their establishments.

They will also be asked to serve sugar separately as opposed to a sweetened cup of tea enabling the consumer to prepare the tea by himself with limited use of sugar, he said.

Mr. Wanninayaka said the DGHS or PDHS have powers to impose these regulations under the Food Act 26 of 1980.

“The objective is to discourage the excessive use of sugar which is the cause for many a non-communicable diseases – diabetes in particular. The health ministry expects the cooperation of the public and the restaurant owners and hoteliers in this exercise. If the expected results were not forthcoming through non-punitive guidelines and instructions the ministry will seek a legal remedy to minimise excessive sugar consumption," he said. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

Comments

-35+8#Anthony2012-02-09 21:20

THERE IS MUCH BETTER THINGS TO DISPLAY, WHERE PRECAUTION TO HEALTH.

PERSONALS AND ADULTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS, SO JUST DONT WASTE TIME, DO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE IN IMPROOVEMENTS.

-2+32#Psharmindra Samuel2012-02-09 21:29

A very good Approch

-23+9#Aristotle2012-02-09 21:52

Just a case of trying to distract the masses from the ricing price of food.

-2+31#Ameer2012-02-09 21:54

I appreciate this move, Anthony people like you always discourage a good step forward. Please help the government and support them otherwise we are always stuck in square one. We should move forward in countries like US these are very common things. Consumer should be given a warning on health effects he might face

-3+3#Anthony2012-02-09 22:06

there are more dangerous things which effects health, its only personal opinion.

-2+10#Rohan2012-02-10 01:09

Like other countries please introduce low sugar sweeteners like sweet and low, splanda sugars to consumers. They carry low carb and reduce diabetes. If you could ask the hotels and restaurants to supploy these to consumers will be helpful. Also excess rice and flour and stress increase diabetes.Eating low carbs such as fruits and vegetables and exercise help reduce diabetes. If you could display these will educate consumers.

-1+10#Ravee2012-02-10 01:12

Its a good move we must educate our nation on this regard and thanks to the health officials.Hope no one will take this for a political gain.

-1+6#faqi2012-02-10 03:28

Considering that over 40% of sri Lankan's develop diabetic related illnesses, its a very good idea to warn people of the use of sugar in excess in their daily diet. Most countries use sugar substitutes. One very popular today is: Splenda and vegetable based extract termed Stevia. Its time all eateries provide these as an alternative to sugar.

-0+9#Tintin2012-02-10 05:11

This is a very good move. If sugar is packed in small quantities and given to customers who request any, then the consumer is responsible of its own action of either control or consume. These small steps towards taking charge of ones own health is teaching people far greater lessons than what people like Anthony feel.

A step closer to a developed world. Keep it up. Spread it around.

-0+10#Dr.P2012-02-10 05:18

Refined sugars and refined white flour are two things our body do not need. Sri Lankans in general use a large amount of sugar daily which eventually jeopardize their health. We are already seeing the rise in diabetic patients young and old. Sweets and sugary desserts should be avoided and people should consume fresh fruits in place of desserts. In my opinion, this is a great move. We need to educate the general public about good healthy eating habits for their own health benefits!

-0+5#Nodrog2012-02-10 06:14

Good move.

-0+2#loku2012-02-10 07:47

Excellent idea. Might I add that similar warnings about salt are called for.

-0+2#Sammy2012-02-10 08:56

A very good move. Less harmful sugar substitutes should be made affordable and consumption of unrefined sugar should be promoted as preferable and its price should be reduced to below that of the refined sugar.

-0+2#Rahumathulla2012-02-10 09:03

Very good move. For better results awareness programs may also be conducted by the health ministry to educate the people at rural level as well as school children.

-0+2#zoxomox2012-02-10 10:50

This is very good,
But this should not be like the smoking regulation.

People still smoke in public places.

-0+4#manike2012-02-10 11:47

Not only hotels, restaurants etc, industries that produce flavoured milk, health drinks and bottled or tetra packed fruit juices also should be warned to reduce the amount of sugar that is used. They may be using extra sugar as a preservative but the health risks are greater. Just drink a packet of 'Daily" flavoured milk' or 'Milo' and see what I am saying.

-0+0#Gamini2012-02-10 16:20

Good move. Please implement it as soon as possible.

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