Written Answer to Unanswered Oral Question

Increasing Healthy Food Options at Hawker Centres and Food Courts

Speakers

Transcript

27 Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how will the Health Promotion Board work with other stakeholders to review and increase healthy food options at hawker centres and food courts; and (b) what new financial incentives will be considered for businesses that provide food options with high nutritional standards.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: We believe that hawker food can be both tasty and healthier. A key initiative to achieve this is Health Promotion Board's Healthier Dining Programme. As of September 2025, there are more than 9,200 hawker stalls, food court stalls, restaurants and food kiosks participating in the Programme. These eateries offer at least one healthier option on their menu, which may be either a lower-calorie meal, or prepared using healthier ingredients, such as wholegrain staples, healthier oils or lower-sodium salt, sauces and seasonings.

There is also the Healthier Ingredient Development Scheme, which supports the use of healthier ingredients, such as lower sodium salt, by enabling Food and Beverage operators to obtain them at prices comparable to regular products. We also encourage consumers to directly request for healthier options when they eat out. This can help to create demand for healthier options and encourage more stall owners to adjust their menus.