Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa is proud to get behind this important initiative from the NZ Beverage Guidance Panel. We're particularly pleased to see a pragmatic approach being taken, with a range of healthier options being suggested and a definition of what low sugar might look like, ie, any drink with ≥5grams of sugar per 100ml. Plus of course, not to forget the needs of students with type 1 diabetes who need to have appropriate drinks available to treat hypoglycaemia.
The policy briefing document describes it's purpose as being "to highlight the importance of adopting a ‘sugary drink free schools policy’ nationwide to improve the health of New Zealand children. This policy aims to ban the availability and consumption of sugary drinks* during school hours on school and early childhood education (ECE) premises. We believe our government has a responsibility to implement comprehensive policy in areas that are known to be detrimental to health. There is clear evidence of the negative health effects associated with sugary drink consumption and thus it is important that all schools and ECEs in New Zealand be required by government policy to remove sugary drinks and adopt ‘sugary drink free schools policy’." Download the full document in PDF form below (latest online version here)
Also signalled is the upcoming FIZZ New Zealand national symposium on 31 August titled ‘Should Sugary Drinks Be Expelled from Schools?’.
