In more detail
Currently, the MOH has implemented Nutri-Grade labeling requirements and advertising prohibitions in relation to sugar and saturated fat content in prepacked and freshly prepared beverages (further details are set out in our client alerts of March 2023 and December 2022).
In August 2024, the MOH announced that it intended to extend the Nutri-Grade labeling requirements to cover contributors of sodium and saturated fat intake (see our client alert of September 2024).
Based on national population health surveys conducted, the MOH reported that key sources of sodium intake among Singapore residents include salt, sauces, seasonings and instant noodles, and the key source of saturated fat intake is from cooking oil. Through the extension of the Nutri-Grade labelling requirements, the MOH intends to do the following:
- Help consumers make informed and healthier choices on products
- Reduce the influence of advertising on consumer preferences
- Encourage industry reform of products
The Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions will apply to 23 subcategories of prepacked salt, sauces, seasonings, instant noodles and cooking oil sold in retail settings (i.e., supermarkets, grocery stores, e-commerce platforms, vending machines) and settings where the product is provided in the course of providing services (e.g., to patients in hospitals), under a contract (e.g., to guests in hotels), or through amenities at a place of work (e.g., in office pantries).
Each of the 23 subcategories will have its own grading system pegged to the products within the subcategory. The final grade given to a product is dependent on the nutrient of concern with the lowest grade. Nutrients of concern include sodium, saturated fat and sugar. In a situation where the sodium and sugar content of a product is rated "B" while the saturated fat content is rated "C", a product will have to display a Grade "C" along with an identification of the nutrient of concern that has caused the grade (in this example, saturated fat).
The Nutri-Grade labelling scheme will make it mandatory for products graded "C" or "D" to display its grade on the front of the product packaging and on online listings. The requirements for the Healthier Choice Symbol will also be recalibrated to require the displayed product to have a grade of "A" or "B". In the event that a product is graded "D", advertisements promoting its sale will be prohibited to reduce the influence of advertising on consumer choices. This restriction applies to online and physical advertising across traditional and social media channels.
Recommended actions
As the new regulations are expected to be rolled out in mid-2027, brands that supply prepacked salt, sauces, seasonings, instant noodles and cooking oil in retail settings may consider tweaking the recipes to allow for better brand positioning once the new measures kick in.
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