Singapore set to ban advertisement of certain sugary drinks

In line with a growing worldwide trend, Singapore will follow countries like Mexico and Britain, and Australian states such as Queensland in banning ads for some soft drinks and juices while mandating the provision of health warnings on labels.

Mindful of the high rate of diabetes in the city-state, which is amongst the highest in the world, the health ministry is seeking to lower the rate of sugar consumption in the country and encourage steps towards better oral and general health.

To that end, the advertising bans, which will apply, reports The Weekly Times, to “certain fizzy drinks and juices”, will be accompanied by taxes on sugary drinks manufacturers and importers, and “even a total ban on the sale of some beverages”.

While the bans will not apply to all sugary drinks, they are being targeted at those beverages deemed to be the least healthy, said the health ministry.

“We will introduce an advertising prohibition of product advertisements for the least healthy SSBs on all local mass media platforms, including broadcast, print, out-of-home and online channels.”

The bans, which do not come a specific date for implementation, will be preceded by consultation with drink manufacturers such as Coca-Cola, the advertising industry and consumers.

For the full story, go to The Weekly Times

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