Singapore to ban ads of unhealthy sugary drinks

Singapore : Singapore is all set to become the first country to ban ads for the most unhealthy sugary drinks with an aim to reduce the rising diabetes in their nation, the health ministry said Thursday.

The products which are 'less healthy' for the human body will now have to specifically display labels grading their nutritional and sugar content, and those which are 'very unhealthy' will be banned from appearing in the advertisements across all media platforms - broadcast, print and online channels. 

"This aims to reduce the influence of such advertisements on consumer preferences," the ministry said, calling the ban a world-first.

The government also said that it is just the beginning and they will continue to find possibility of a sugar tax or ban. 

"We urge SSB (sugar-sweetened beverages) manufacturers to consider reformulating their drinks to contain less sugar even as we further study these measures," it said. 

According to the International Diabetes Federation, 13.7 percent of adults suffer from diabetes in Singapore, one of the highest rates among developed nations.

Some 420 million people around the world today suffer from diabetes, with the number expected to rise to 629 million by 2045, according to the International Diabetes Federation.