The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan has drafted a resolution to improve the system of labeling, accounting, and control of non-alcoholic beverages with high sugar content. According to the draft, starting January 1, 2027, mandatory warning labels will be introduced for domestically produced and imported non-alcoholic drinks, based on the total sugar content per 100 ml of product.

For sugar content between 5 and 8 grams, packages will bear the label "Medium sugar content" in black on a yellow background; for 8 to 11 grams, "High sugar content" in black on a dark yellow background. If 100 ml of the drink contains 11 grams of sugar or more, the package must display a white label on a red background: "Very high sugar content — frequent consumption is harmful to health."

The warning label must be on the front of the package, occupy at least 15% of its total area, be contrasting, and be clearly visible at first glance. A QR code with information about the product's composition, calorie content, and daily intake is also envisaged. By March 1, 2027, a unified methodology for laboratory analysis of non-alcoholic beverages is to be approved, and by September 1, sugar content determination is to be established in accredited laboratories.

In addition, a registry of non-alcoholic beverages with sugar content exceeding the thresholds set in the draft is planned to be maintained and published quarterly. By December 1, 2027, a unified digital platform for monitoring high-sugar drinks is to be developed. It will contain data on the amount of sugar or carbohydrates per 100 ml and the types of sweeteners used. The system will also include laboratory test results to identify discrepancies between declared and actual composition.

For imported non-alcoholic beverages, electronic declaration of sugar content is planned to be introduced by January 1, 2028. Products with labeling that does not meet the new requirements will be barred from import into Uzbekistan. From January 1, 2027, educational institutions will also gradually restrict the sale of non-alcoholic beverages whose labeling does not comply with the established requirements. Furthermore, control purchases of high-sugar drinks are planned, and information on identified violations will be published.

Source: uznews.uz