POSSIBILITY OF REGULATING ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD FOR HEALTHIER FOOD ENVIRONMENT

Recently I noted a number of articles highlighting the danger of consuming ultra processed food. It apparently constitutes not just a potential danger to physical health, but mental health too. In a number of countries, questions are being raised about the need to regulate the promotion of such food so as to ensure a healthier food environment. I therefore decided to file this PQ to raise awareness of this matter. My parliamentary question and Minister Ong’s response are set out below.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Health in view of published studies that link ultra-processed food to poorer mental and physical health outcomes, whether the Government will consider introducing regulation to tackle this issue and promote a healthier food environment.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Processed foods, and especially ultra-processed foods (UPFs), are associated with poor nutritional characteristics, higher energy density; higher sugar, salt and saturated fat content; lower fibre and vitamin content, and hence adverse health impact.

Currently, there are no international medical or dietary recommendations on the intake of UPFs. Singapore has also not introduced legislation targeting UPFs.

Nevertheless, the Health Promotion Board has implemented measures to encourage healthier eating, and to consume less saturated fats, sugar and salt. The measures include the Healthier Choice Symbol, Nutri-Grade marks for pre-packaged and freshly prepared beverages, promotion of low sodium salt, and prohibition of partially hydrogenated oils. If effective, it will cut down the consumption of UPFs.