KUALA LUMPUR: A new Nutri-Grade labelling system that bans the promotion of beverages with more than 10 grammes of sugar per 100ml will be used to curb sweet temptations in the country, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).
The Health Minister said the upcoming mandatory grading system aims to push Malaysians toward healthier choices and encourage the beverage industry to cut back on sugar.
The system will be implemented in phases, initially focusing on ready-to-drink products, before it is expanded to include freshly prepared beverages sold at outlets.
“The implementation of this grading system takes into account the need to amend the Food Act 1983 and the Food Regulations 1985.
“Through the implementation of the Nutri-Grade labelling system, beverages categorised as Grade D (>10g total sugar/100ml) will be prohibited from being advertised on any platform,” he said in a written reply at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
He said the labelling system is a “plus point” to further strengthen control over the advertising of high-sugar beverages.
It will also encourage the beverage industry and operators to reformulate products to reduce sugar content, he added.
Dzulkelfy also compared the move with Australia and New Zealand, which implemented front-of-pack nutrition labelling based on the assessment of various nutrient components.
He said the mandatory Nutri-Grade system currently focuses on the sugar content in beverages.
