Salt, sauces, seasonings to have Nutri-Grade labels by mid-2027

Govt hopes initiative can help to curb excessive intake of sodium, saturated fat

- Lee Li Ying

Nutri-Grade labels will be mandatory for sodium-heavy products such as salt, sauces, seasonings and instant noodles by the middle of 2027, if they are given C or D grades. This is in a bid to encourage Singaporeans to make healthier dietary choices amid high rates of chronic diseases.

Like the labelling for beverages, such products will be graded A to D, with D being the least healthy choice.

Products rated D, which would have the highest levels of sodium, sugar, and/or saturated fat, cannot be advertised.

The label will also be updated to highlight the ingredient of concern that results in a product's final grade, to better help consumers understand the basis of the grade.

For example, if the sodium content for an instant noodle is graded C, but its saturated fat content is graded D, the product will have a D grade and the label will indicate the saturated fat content.

The Nutri-Grade scheme for beverages implemented in December 2020 has moved the needle in terms of pushing manufacturers to cut sugar levels in their products. The median sugar level of pre-packed drinks has dropped from 7.1 per cent in 2017 to 4.6 per cent in September 2023.

Now, the Government hopes the labelling initiative can help to curb excessive intake of sodium and saturated fat.