INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT TASTY AND HEALTHIER HAWKER FOOD

NOTICE PAPER NO. 370
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 14 JANUARY 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim
MP for East Coast GRC

Question No. 1166
To ask 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.

Answer

1        We believe that hawker food can be both tasty and healthier. A key initiative to achieve this is HPB’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.

2        There is also the Healthier Ingredient Development Scheme, which supports the use of healthier ingredients, such as lower sodium salt, by enabling F&B 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.