Singapore: Obligatory diet labelling necessities and promoting prohibitions for ‘Nutri-Grade’ drinks

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in the letter

From December 30, 2022, packaged nutri-grade beverages in Singapore and sold from vending machines will be subject to new labeling requirements and advertising bans.

Recommended course of action

With the new regulations going into effect December 30, 2022, brands selling Nutri-Grade beverages should start examining where their products fall under the Nutri-Grade classification system and take steps to identify the new To comply with regulations.

Brands may also consider product innovations to formulate beverages with more desirable “nutri-grade” qualities. Not only would this add to the efforts of Singapore regulators in the area of ​​public health, but it could position such drinks and brands favorably from a public relations perspective.

More accurate

background

On December 30, 2021, the Ministry of Health (MOH) published an update on the implementation of labeling requirements and advertising bans for “Nutri-Grade” beverages.

With increasing concerns about high sugar consumption linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes, and studies showing that drinks account for more than half of Singaporeans’ daily sugar intake, the MOH sought to regulate itself as part of its “war” to introduce on the subject of diabetes “.

While the MOH first announced its intention to implement such measures in October 2019, these new measures would not take effect until December 30, 2022. This would give the industry additional time to adhere to measures and reformulate their products to increase the range and variety of healthier alternatives for Singaporeans.

Through the new measures, the MOH intends to: (i) Help consumers identify beverages with higher sugar and saturated fat content in order to make better informed and healthier choices; (ii) reduce the impact of advertising on consumer preferences for high sugar beverages; and (iii) stimulate industry reformulation.

application

“Nutri-grade” beverages include soft drinks, juices and juice drinks, milk and milk drinks, cultured milk / yogurt drinks, and powdered instant drinks. This includes prepackaged beverages and beverages dispensed from vending machines, including fountain beverages and beverages dispensed from coffee machines.

Alcoholic beverages and beverages that are prepared by hand at the point of sale or that can be customized by the buyer are excluded from the definition of “nutri-grade” beverages.

Rating System

In the “Nutri-Grade” classification system, “Nutri-Grade” beverages are classified as “A”, “B”, “C” or “D” as follows:

class Color code Sugar content (g / 100ml) Saturated fat content (g / 100ml) Examples of drinks
ONE Dark green ≤ 1 and no sweetener 0.7 Water; unsweetened teas; Skimmed milk
B. Light green > 1 to 5 1.2 Low-fat milk; Asian low-sugar beverages; Diet drinks
C. orange > 5 to 10 2.8 Whole milk; Asian drinks; isotonic drinks
D. Red > 10 > 2.8 Soft drinks; pure fruit juices; Juice drinks; Energy drinks

The guidelines for the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) have been revised to align them with the “Nutri-Grade” rating system, in which all HCS beverages would be rated “A” or “B” according to the “Nutri-Grade” rating system .

There are requirements for the display of the “Nutri-Grade” mark, including the structure / components of the “Nutri-Grade” mark; Font style and size; Color palette; and other general packaging guidelines.

Nutritional information board

“Nutri-Grade” drinks must have a Nutritional Information Board (NIP) showing the energy value; and the amounts of protein, carbohydrate, total sugar, fat, and saturated fat. Only the lactose or galactose declared in the NRP would be deducted from the total amount of sugar for the purposes of the “Nutri-Grade” classification system. If lactose or galactose is not declared in the NIP, their respective amounts are assumed to be zero.

In addition to the note “Nutri-Grade”, the sugar content of the drink as a percentage of the total volume (eg “0% sugar”) must be clearly stated on the label.

“Nutri-Grade” beverages with classification “C” or “D” must be marked with a “Nutri-Grade” symbol on the front of the packaging. The affixing of a “Nutri-Grade” symbol is optional for “Nutri-Grade” beverages with the classification “A” or “B”, and brands can optionally label these products with the voluntary HCS and / or the “Nutri-Grade” Mark.

There are also requirements for the display of the NIP.

Advertising bans

Advertising for “Nutri-Grade” beverages with the grade “D” is prohibited on all media platforms except on point-of-sale platforms (e.g., but such materials must clearly bear the “Nutri-Grade” mark of the drink.

However, brand advertising that does not contain a specific product is allowed.

Other comments

From December 30, 2022, failure to comply with the measures will result in a fine of up to SGD 1,000 and can be doubled for repeat offenders. Post-market surveillance is carried out by the competent authorities to ensure compliance.

The content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice. This may qualify as “solicitation” in some jurisdictions and requires notification. Previous results do not guarantee similar results. More information is available at: www.bakermckenzie.com/en/disclaimers.