Physical Health Challenges Reported

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1597
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 9 JANUARY 2022

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Dr Lim Wee Kiak
MP for Sembawang GRC

Question No. 3961

To ask the Minister for Health with regard to the Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review which reported that Singaporeans continue to face challenges to their physical health (a) whether the Ministry plans to implement nutrition labelling for freshly prepared meals; (b) whether there is data showing that people are exercising less as they return to the office; and (c) if so, how will the Ministry encourage office workers to stay physically active. 

Answer

HPB has been working with food operators to offer lower-calorie meals and encourage switch to using healthier ingredients such as healthier cooking oils, wholegrains and low sodium salt. 

Identifiers such as "Lower in calories" or "Higher in wholegrains" are featured on storefronts and in menus to help consumers identify the healthier options.

The Nutri-Grade labelling and advertising measures, which came into effect on 30 December 2022 for prepacked beverages, will be extended to freshly prepared beverages by end 2023. 

Our National Population Health Survey conducted between July 2020 to June 2021 showed that people are engaged in lesser leisure physical activities. However, this is expected because of the prevailing Safe Management Measures then and as the population ages  

Through Healthier SG, we are actively promoting healthier lifestyles, as a national health strategy.