Sauces, salt, and instant noodles to have Nutri-Grade labels by mid-2027

9 in 10 Singaporeans exceed the daily sodium limit.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will extend Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions to key contributors of sodium and saturated fat intake by mid-2027.

This follows MOH’s announcement in August 2024 that Nutri-Grade measures will be extended to tackle the high prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.

MOH said the key sources of sodium intake amongst Singapore residents are salt, sauces, seasonings and instant noodles, and the key source of saturated fat intake is cooking oil.

Based on past National Population Health Survey results, the prevalence of hypertension and high blood cholesterol among Singapore residents remains high, at 37.0% and 31.9%, respectively, in 2021 to 2022.

Excessive intake of sodium and saturated fat are key risk factors for these chronic diseases. The National Nutrition Survey 2022 also showed that nine in 10 Singapore residents exceeded the recommended daily sodium limit of 2,000 mg and, on average, consumed about twice the daily limit. Similarly, amongst Singapore residents, saturated fat accounted for 36% of the total fat consumed, exceeding the recommendation of no more than 30%.

The ministry said they aim to help consumers make more informed, healthier choices by identifying products that are higher in sodium and saturated fat. The government also expects that the move will spur industry reformulation of products and reduce the influence of advertising on consumer preferences.