Barbados-based NGO Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), alongside the TT Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance, has commended the government on the updated school nutrition standards.

A media statement on January 15 from HCC communications officer Sheena Warner-Edwards praised what the NGO called "the bold steps" taken on January 9.

"This policy builds on the 2017 ban of sugary drinks, such that only water, 100 per cent fruit juices, low-fat milk, and blended vegetables or fruit drinks with no added sugars and/or artificial sweeteners were to be offered at all government and government-assisted schools," the statement said.