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Product Regulation & Liability

Singapore: Ministry of Health announces extension of Nutri-Grade labeling requirements to reduce sodium and saturated fat intake

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In brief

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will be extending the Nutri-Grade labeling requirements and advertising restrictions to products high in sodium and saturated fats, such as prepacked salt, sauces and seasonings; instant noodles; and cooking oil. These measures aim to help consumers make healthier choices and encourage industry reformulation.

In more detail

Presently, the MOH has implemented Nutri-Grade labeling requirements regarding the sugar and saturated fat content in prepacked and freshly prepared beverages (further details are set out in our client alerts of February 2023 and December 2022).

On 22 August 2024, the MOH reported on the effectiveness of these measures to reduce the median sugar level of beverages in the market and total sugar intake among Singapore residents. In particular, the MOH stated that the median sugar level of prepacked Nutri-Grade beverages had been reduced from 7.1% in 2017 to 4.6% as of September 2023, and as of September 2023, 69% of beverages purchased were graded “A” or “B,” up from 37% in 2017.

Following from the effectiveness of these measures, the MOH now hopes to reduce sodium and saturated fat intake among Singapore residents, citing how Singapore residents consume nearly twice the recommended daily sodium intake and the rising rate of hypertension.

To achieve this reduction, the MOH has announced the extension of the Nutri-Grade labeling requirements and advertising prohibitions to key contributors of sodium and saturated fat intake. At the outset, these requirements would apply to prepacked salt, sauces and seasonings; instant noodles; and cooking oil.

The Nutri-Grade labeling measures would aim to help customers to make more informed, healthier choices by identifying products high in sodium and saturated fat; spur industry reformulation; and reduce the influence of advertising on consumer preferences.

The MOH will be having further consultations with the industry over the coming months on the details of implementing the Nutri-Grade measures.

Key takeaways

The rollout of the Nutri-Grade requirements has been swift. The requirements regarding the sugar and saturated fat content of prepacked beverages came into effect on 30 December 2022, and the same requirements were rolled out for freshly prepared beverages from the end of 2023. In less than a year from the last implementation, further Nutri-Grade requirements have been announced. This may indicate the possibility of further expansions in the near future, perhaps regarding the sodium and saturated fat content of other types of food products, such as snacks.

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Andy Leck is the head of the Intellectual Property and Technology (IPTech) Practice Group and a member of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Singapore. He is a core member of Baker McKenzie's regional IP practice and also leads the Myanmar IP Practice Group. Andy is recognised by reputable global industry and legal publications as a leader in his field. He was named on "The A-List: Singapore's Top 100 lawyers" by Asia Business Law Journal 2018. In addition, Chambers Asia Pacific notes that Andy is "a well-known IP practitioner who is highlighted for his record of handling major trade mark litigation, as well as commercial exploitation of IP rights in the media and technology sectors. He's been in the industry for a long time and has always been held in high regard. He is known to be very fair and is someone you would like to be in the trenches with you during negotiations." Furthermore, Asian Legal Business acknowledges Andy as a leading practitioner in his field and notes that he “always gives good, quick advice, [is] client-focused and has strong technical knowledge for his areas of practice.” Andy was appointed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as an IP Adjudicator to hear disputes at IPOS for a two-year term from April 2021. He has been an appointed member of the Singapore Copyright Tribunal since May 2010 and a mediator with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. He is also appointed as a Notary Public & Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. He previously served on the International Trademark Association’s Board of Directors and was a member of the executive committee.

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Ren Jun Lim is a principal with Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow. He represents local and international clients in both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. He also advises on a full range of healthcare, as well as consumer goods-related legal and regulatory issues. Ren Jun co-leads Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow's Healthcare as well as Consumer Goods & Retail industry groups. He sits on the Law Society of Singapore IP Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Association of Information Security Professionals. He is also a member of the Vaccines Working Group, Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, a member of the International Trademark Association, as well as a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Association. Ren Jun is ranked in the Silver tier for Individuals: Enforcement and Litigation and Individuals: Prosecution and Strategy, and a recommended lawyer for Individuals: Transactions by WTR 1000, 2020. He is also listed in Asia IP's Best 50 IP Expert, 2020, recognised as a Rising Star by Managing IP: IP Stars, 2019 and one of Singapore's 70 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under by Singapore Business Review, 2016. Ren Jun was acknowledged by WTR 1000 as a "trademark connoisseur who boasts supplementary knowledge of regulatory issues in the consumer products industry." He was also commended by clients for being "very responsive to enquiries and with a keen eye for detail, he is extremely hands-on. His meticulous and in-depth approach to strategising is key to the excellent outcomes we enjoy."

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