From 30 December 2023, the Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions will come into effect for freshly prepared beverages sold at specified settings in Singapore. The Nutri-Grade measures will make it easier for consumers to identify and choose freshly prepared beverages that are lower in sugar and saturated fat based on their Nutri-Grade marks. This follows the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) announcement of the measures in February and June this year.
2. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nutritionally, people do not need any sugar in their diet. The WHO has therefore called on countries to take action to reduce individuals' intake of sugar to as low as possible. High sugar intake is linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney failure. The prevalence of obesity among Singapore residents has increased steadily over the years, and while the prevalence of diabetes has stabilised over the past few years, it remains relatively high at about one in 12 Singapore residents. On average, every day, six people in Singapore are diagnosed with kidney failure and may require dialysis. MOH therefore declared a War on Diabetes in 2016, which complements Healthier SG in supporting and empowering individuals to take steps towards better health.
3. In Singapore, sugar sweetened beverages are the single biggest source of dietary sugar. As part of our efforts to reduce sugar intake, from 30 December 2022, Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions were implemented for beverages sold in Singapore in pre-packaged form and from non-customisable automated beverage dispensers.
4. From 30 December 2023, the Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions will also apply to freshly prepared beverages sold in:
- Retail settings, such as food and beverage (F&B) outlets, catering establishments, as well as digital platforms; and
- Non-retail settings, such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.
Consumers who wish to add toppings such as pearls and jellies to their freshly prepared beverages will also have information on their sugar content.
Key features of the measures
5. The key features of the measures are:
- Freshly prepared beverages must be graded “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”, according to the Nutri-Grade grading system which is based on the beverages’ sugar and saturated fat content;
- If the freshly prepared or existing pre-packaged beverage is graded “C” or “D”, the Nutri-Grade mark must be labelled next to beverages listed for sale, such as on physical or online menus, at their point of purchase. Industry players may use the simplified Nutri-Grade mark on menus where more than one beverage option is listed. The labelling of Nutri-Grade beverages graded “A” or “B” will continue to be optional;
Toppings that can be added to freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, such as pearls, jellies, ice cream, and whipped cream, must be labelled with a declaration of their sugar content; and
- Advertisements promoting the sale of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages graded “D” will be prohibited.
6. For now, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will exempt individuals and entities running smaller food businesses from implementing the Nutri-Grade requirements for freshly prepared beverages. To qualify, such food businesses should (i) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (ii) sell or supply those beverages at fewer than 10 food premises. We will review this concession over time and adjust if necessary. These businesses will still be required to comply with the measures for pre-packaged beverages and beverages dispensed from non-customisable automatic beverage dispensers.
7. A summary of the Nutri-Grade measures and examples of the use of Nutri-Grade marks on menus can be found in the Annex A. Non-compliance with the measures may result in a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offence; and for second or subsequent convictions, a fine of up to $2,000.
Support from industry partners
8. Supportive industry partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth implementation of these additional measures. Since earlier this year, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has been providing guidance and resources, and supporting the industry in their product reformulation to facilitate the implementation of the extended Nutri-Grade measures.
9. To complement the Nutri-Grade measures, HPB has launched a “Siu Dai by default” movement to encourage F&B operators to offer beverages with less sugar (i.e. Nutri-Grade “B”) as a default, instead of beverages with regular sugar levels (typically Nutri-Grade “C”). To date, three F&B operators, Kopitiam, Kaffe & Toast and Mr Teh Tarik, have expressed interest to join the movement. Kopitiam, for instance, has launched a “Siu Dai” menu at six outlets while hot coffee and tea served in all 28 Mr Teh Tarik outlets will be “Siu Dai by default”. HPB is working closely with key market leaders to encourage more businesses to join this movement.
10. We encourage Singaporeans to limit their intake of beverages labelled “C” and “D” and choose beverages graded “A” or “B” and/or with the Healthier Choice Symbol, or drink water instead, to further reduce their sugar intake. Consumers can find out more about the beverages graded “A” and “B” on the Nutri-Grade directory at https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/nutrition-hub/nutri-grade-a-and-b-drinks.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
29 DECEMBER 2023