Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is urging drink manufactures to speed up the process of reducing sugar in their products.

This comes as guidelines take effect which place a limit on sweetened beverages above a defined maximum sugar concentration sold and served in all public educational institutions and health facilities.

The minister was addressing the launch of Coldfield Manufacturing Limited (makers of Big Jo) zero sugar drinks, yesterday (Jan 3).

The company will make the new beverage available island-wide, in time for next week’s re-opening of schools.

They will be in an 8 ounce pouch, and a recyclable 11.5 ounce bottle.

Dr. Tufton commended the company for its move, which he says will help improve public health.

He urged other manufacturers to follow the sugar guidelines in phases.