Proposal to Revise Healthier Choice Symbol and Nutri-Grade Grading Schemes to Add Measures for Artificial Preservatives, Colouring and Flavours

22 Mr Ng Shi Xuan asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether the Health Promotion Board will consider revising the Healthier Choice Symbol scheme or the Nutri-Grade grading system to (i) include additional metrics such as artificial preservatives, colouring and flavours, particularly for products intended or marketed to children and (ii) increase the frequency of audit and review of the scheme and system.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) and the Nutri-Grade grading system help consumers choose products that are lower in sugar, salt and saturated fat. Additionally, the HCS helps consumers identify options that contain more beneficial components, such as wholegrains and calcium, within the same food category. Food additives, such as preservatives, colourings and flavourings, are separately regulated by the Singapore Food Agency for food safety purposes.

The Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Board regularly review the HCS and Nutri-Grade measures to ensure that they remain relevant in supporting consumers to adopt healthier diets that are higher in beneficial nutrients while limiting those of concern. We will review the suggestions to consider possible refinements to our labelling schemes.