Watch your sugar intake: The new rules will cover drinks such as bubble tea.
From Dec 30, drink toppings such as pearls, jellies, ice cream and whipped cream must be labelled with a declaration of their sugar content as part of new requirements covering the sale of freshly prepared beverages.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) previously said it will be extending its Nutri-Grade requirements to cover freshly prepared drinks such as coffee and bubble tea by end-2023. The latest announcement sets out additional details.
The Nutri-Grade system comprises colour-coded grades from A to D, with D containing the highest sugar and/or saturated fat content.
Under current measures, pre-packed beverages and non-customisable, dispensed drinks sold at retail outlets have to be labelled.
Such labelling is optional for those with A or B grades. Retailers are not allowed to advertise D-graded drinks.
By the year end, the rules will apply to drinks that are sold not just by food outlets and caterers, but also in non-retail settings such as workplaces and schools.
MOH said Nutri-Grade measures are part of its long-term strategy to reduce sugar intake in the population by shaping consumer behaviour. — The Straits Times/ANN
