Update on "My Healthy Plate" Guidelines for Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Tracking and Health Impact among Singaporeans
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song’s inquiry regarding the applicability of American dietary guidelines on ultra-processed foods and whether "My Healthy Plate" will be updated to specifically discourage them. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung replied that ultra-processed foods constitute less than one-third of Singaporeans' total caloric intake, which is lower than levels observed in Western countries. He noted that current guidelines already discourage such foods based on unfavorable nutrient profiles, characterized by high caloric density and excessive nutrients of concern. The Health Promotion Board will continue monitoring international evidence while using the Healthier Choice Symbol programme to encourage industry food reformulation to improve nutrient profiles. The Ministry’s strategy remains focused on assessing foods by their nutritional value to discourage the consumption of products that are high in calories and low in essential vitamins.
Transcript
19 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in light of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans which prioritise real whole foods over ultra-processed foods (a) what is the Ministry's assessment of the guidelines' applicability to Singaporeans; (b) whether the Ministry tracks Singaporeans' average percentage of daily caloric intake from ultra-processed foods; and (c) whether the Ministry will update the My Healthy Plate guidelines to specifically discourage ultra-processed foods.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: This reply will also address a similar question for oral answer raised by Mr Yip Hon Weng for a subsequent Sitting.
The Health Promotion Board's latest National Nutrition Survey shows that ultra-processed foods account for less than one-third of Singapore residents' total caloric intake. This is lower than that in Western countries, such as the United Kingdom and United States, where ultra-processed foods contribute to more than half of total caloric intake. Generally, products with higher levels of processing have less favourable nutrient profiles which are characterised by elevated caloric density, excessive nutrients of concern and reduced dietary fibre and essential vitamins. Our current guidelines already discourage consumption of such foods based on their nutrient profiles.
We will continue to monitor emerging evidence and international developments, as well as encourage industry reformulation to improve nutrient profiles of food products via our Healthier Choice Symbol programme.