Following the successful campaign against sugar, Singapore is now turning its attention to sodium and saturated fats, to address the overconsumption of salt, sauces, seasonings, instant noodles, and cooking oil.
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These products contribute to serious health risks, including heart attacks and strokes. To combat this, they will soon be required to display nutritional grades, similar to those used for sugary beverages, enabling consumers to quickly assess their healthiness.
Products will be graded from A to D, with D representing the least healthy options, containing the highest levels of sodium and/or saturated fat, among other nutrients.
This new initiative builds on the success of the Nutri-Grade label, which is already mandatory for pre-packaged and freshly prepared beverages. Drinks exceeding a sweetness threshold are graded C or D, with advertising restrictions for those graded D. These measures have led to a decrease in sugar consumption among Singaporeans.
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Encouraged by these results, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that the Nutri-Grade label and advertising restrictions will be extended to pre-packed salt, sauces and seasonings, instant noodles, and cooking oil—the primary sources of sodium and saturated fat in the diet.
The MOH will work closely with the industry to finalize nutrient thresholds for these labels, focusing on sodium and saturated fat. The industry will be given ample time to adapt to the new regulations.
Excessive salt intake, leading to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, is a growing concern in Singapore, where hypertension has risen from 24% to 37% over the last five years. High cholesterol, another major risk factor for heart disease, affects about a third of Singapore residents.
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Health Minister Ong Ye Kung recently reminded Singaporeans that saltiness is often equated with tastiness, but there is much more to flavor than seasoning levels. This latest move against salt is part of Singapore's broader effort to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the strain on healthcare resources.
Reference: The Straits Times and Ministry of Health News Highlights
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