The rules apply to drinks not just sold by food outlets and caterers, but also served in hotels and workplaces. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
SINGAPORE: Consumers will be able to find out the amount of sugar and saturated fats in freshly prepared drinks from Dec 30, when Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions kick in.
The new measures, announced in February and June, will apply to drinks both sold in retail settings – such as food and beverage outlets – and served in non-retail settings, including hotels, workplaces, childcare facilities, and educational and healthcare institutions, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Dec 29.
“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,” the ministry added.
The Nutri-Grade system comprises colour-coded grades from A to D, with D denoting the highest sugar and saturated fat content.
Freshly prepared drinks – such as coffee, tea and bubble tea – that are graded C and D must be displayed with their Nutri-Grade marks at the point of purchase, such as on online and physical menus.
MOH said retailers may use the simplified Nutri-Grade mark on menus where more than one beverage option is listed.
Labelling of beverages graded A and B is optional.
The sugar content of optional toppings – such as pearls, ice cream and whipped cream – to freshly prepared drinks must also be displayed.
Advertisements are not allowed for drinks that are graded D.
The requirements have already been implemented on pre-packed beverages and non-customisable dispensed drinks since Dec 30, 2022.
In an earlier report by The Straits Times, MOH said Nutri-Grade measures are part of its long-term strategy to reduce sugar intake in the population by shaping consumer behaviour.
MOH said on Dec 29: “High sugar intake is linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney failure... On average, every day, six people in Singapore are diagnosed with kidney failure and may require dialysis.”
It added that while the prevalence of diabetes has stabilised over recent years, it remains high at about one in 12 Singapore residents.
Smaller food businesses whose revenues did not exceed $1 million in the latest financial year and who supply such drinks to fewer than 10 food outlets will be exempted from implementing the Nutri-Grade measures for now, MOH said.
“These businesses will still be required to comply with the measures for pre-packaged beverages and beverages dispensed from non-customisable automatic beverage dispensers,” the ministry added.
Those who fail to comply with the new measures face a fine of up to $1,000. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $2,000.
Asked if the new measures were a good idea, Ms Venus Ang, the assistant director of branding for Mr Bean, said the labelling will help people make informed choices when ordering drinks.
However, it will take time for consumers to fully understand the differences in grades, she added.
“A customer may always order a beverage with a 25 per cent sugar level, but the Nutri-Grade label is calculated based on the maximum sugar level offered, which could be 100 per cent.
“It is unlike pre-packed beverages where the sugar level is fixed,” said Ms Ang.
She added that time and education were necessary for people to familiarise themselves with how drinks are classified.
Consumers can find out more about beverages graded A and B on the Nutri-Grade directory. - The Straits Times/ANN
