The World Health Organization has released a new set of guidelines... advising people to consume less sugar.
Its recommended amount is 6 to 12 teaspoons of sugar per day -- or less than 10 percent of your daily energy intake.
Ji Myung-kil has more.
The World Health Organization says the world is eating too much sugar and advises reducing sugar consumption to 50 grams, or 12 teaspoons, per day.
It says a further reduction to below 5 percent -- which translates to 25 grams or 6 teaspoons -- would provide additional health benefits such as preventing obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.
The guidelines don't apply to the sugars in fruits, vegetables and milk since they come with essential nutrients.
According to the WHO, the global average for daily sugar intake stood at about 58 grams per person in 2003 and increased to 63 grams in 2013.
The UN health agency added that the sugars consumed today are mostly hidden in processed foods.
For example 1 tablespoon of ketchup contains around 4 grams, or 1 teaspoon, of sugar.
A single can of soda contains up to 40 grams, or 10 teaspoons, of sugar.
Sugar consumption in Korea is also high.
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety,... Koreans consume at least 60 grams of sugar per day,... which is 10 grams more than the WHO's recommendation.
Concerns about the possible health effects have prompted the ministry to advise parents to be vigilant about what their children eat and drink.
To lend a hand, the ministry has set up centers around the nation to monitor the quality of children's food services.
The Center for Children's Food Service Management develops menus for children that are low in sugar, and it recommends that catering companies supply healthy drinks like tea instead of soda.
Workers from the center also visit daycare centers and teach children about nutrition as part of a sugar-reduction campaign.
The food ministry says it will continue to work with companies, consumer groups and academics to find ways to cut