Implementation of Nutri-Grade requirements for freshly prepared beverages from 30 December 2023

30 January 2024

On 29 December 2023, the Ministry of Health (“MOH”) issued a press release announcing that Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions will come into effect for freshly prepared beverages sold at specified settings in Singapore.

The Nutri-Grade measures will make it easier for consumers to identify and choose freshly prepared beverages that are lower in sugar and saturated fat based on their Nutri-Grade marks. As part of efforts to reduce sugar intake, from 30 December 2022, Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions were implemented for beverages sold in Singapore in pre-packaged form and from non-customisable automated beverage dispensers.

From 30 December 2023, the Nutri-Grade labelling requirements and advertising prohibitions will also apply to freshly prepared beverages sold in:

  • Retail settings, such as food and beverage outlets, catering establishments, as well as digital platforms; and
  • Non-retail settings, such as hotels, workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare institutions and childcare facilities.

Consumers who wish to add toppings such as pearls and jellies to their freshly prepared beverages will also have information on their sugar content.

The key features of the measures are:

  • Freshly prepared beverages must be graded “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”, according to the Nutri-Grade system which is based on the beverages’ sugar and saturated fat content.
  • If the freshly prepared or existing pre-packaged beverage is graded “C” or “D”, the Nutri-Grade mark must be labelled next to beverages listed for sale, such as on physical or online menus, at their point of purchase. Industry players may use the simplified Nutri-Grade mark on menus where more than one beverage option is listed. The labelling of Nutri-Grade beverages graded “A” or “B” will continue to be optional.
  • Toppings that can be added to freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages, such as pearls, jellies, ice cream, and whipped cream, must be labelled with a declaration of their sugar content.
  • Advertisements promoting the sale of freshly prepared Nutri-Grade beverages graded “D” are prohibited.

For now, MOH will exempt individuals and entities running smaller food businesses from implementing the Nutri-Grade requirements for freshly prepared beverages. To qualify, such food businesses should (i) earn a revenue of not more than S$1 million in the latest financial year, and (ii) sell or supply those beverages at fewer than 10 food premises. MOH will review this concession over time and adjust if necessary. These businesses will still be required to comply with the measures for pre-packaged beverages and beverages dispensed from non-customisable automatic beverage dispensers.

A summary of the Nutri-Grade measures and examples of the use of Nutri-Grade marks on menus can be found in Annex A to the press release. Non-compliance with the measures may result in a fine of up to S$1,000 for a first offence and a fine of up to S$2,000 for second or subsequent convictions.

Reference materials

The following materials are available on the MOH website www.moh.gov.sg: