Discouraging Consumption of Non-sugar Sweeteners
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye’s inquiry on reducing non-sugar sweetener consumption following a World Health Organisation report on their lack of long-term weight-loss benefits and associated health risks. Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that the recommendation is conditional due to low certainty evidence and emphasized the importance of overall diet moderation. He highlighted that beverages containing sugar substitutes are prohibited in preschools and mainstream schools under Health Promotion Board programmes to prevent palate conditioning. Additionally, under the Nutri-Grade system, any drink containing sweeteners is disqualified from receiving a Grade A rating. Minister Ong Ye Kung affirmed that while current HealthHub materials remain relevant, the Ministry will continue monitoring developments to update resources as necessary.
Transcript
23 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health with regard to the World Health Organisation’s report in May 2023 that non-sugar sweeteners have no long-term benefit in reducing body fat and can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mortality in adults (a) how does the Ministry intend to encourage Singaporeans to reduce the consumption of non-sugar sweeteners; and (b) whether the Ministry will review existing materials about non-sugar sweeteners on HealthHub.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that non-sugar sweeteners should not be used as a means of achieving weight control or reducing the risk of non-communicable disease over the long term. WHO indicates that this recommendation is “conditional”, given low certainty of evidence. The statement is also not related to the safety of consuming sweeteners within recommended use levels.
It is important that we have a balanced and nutritious diet, which means consuming a wide variety of foods in moderation for overall health and well-being. We recognise that non-sugar sweeteners could condition our palates to demand sweet food and drinks. Hence, the Health Promotion Board’s Healthy Meals in Schools and Preschools Programmes disallow the sale of beverages containing sugar substitutes in preschools and mainstream schools. Further, under the Nutri-Grade grading system, drinks that contain sweeteners cannot obtain Grade “A”.
Existing materials about non-sugar sweeteners on HealthHub are still relevant. We will continue to monitor developments closely and review these materials as needed.