Summary:
These guidelines seek to address the increasing rates of overweight and obesity in Jamaica by implementing restrictions on beverages, particularly in schools.
Description:
The Interim Guidelines for Beverages in Schools (“the Guidelines”) are a non-binding administrative document. They were approved by the Jamaican Cabinet and issued jointly by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.
Scope
The Guidelines apply to all public educational institutions. These include Early Childhood Institutions, primary schools, and secondary schools. They cover everyone who sells or serves beverages in schools. This includes canteen operators, vendors, teachers, school administrators, and students from birth to 18 years. The guidelines apply during school hours and special school activities.
Sugar Limits
Additionally, the Guidelines gradually restrict sugar limits on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). They use a phased schedule as follows:
Prohibited Beverages
Section 4 prohibits SSBs above the sugar limit. These include sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened waters, and sweetened coffee and tea.
Permitted Beverages
Section 4 allows several beverages. These include plain water, unsweetened juices, unsweetened coconut water, and unsweetened milk and milk products. SSBs at or below the sugar limit are also allowed. So are unsweetened flavoured and infused water and unsweetened milk substitutes.
Cautions
Moreover, the Guidelines discourage artificial sweeteners. Where used, they must follow the Food and Drug Regulations, 1975 and the Ministry of Health approved sweetener lists. Caffeine must stay below 10mg per serving. Package sizes for students under 18 must stay below 12 ounces.
Monitoring
Parish nutritionists and dietitians will carry out School Nutrition and Physical Activity Audits. They will run these audits at six months and at one year after implementation.