Minimise Sale of Beverages with High Sugar and Caffeine Content in School Canteens

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Education (Schools) (a) what are the steps taken to minimise the sale of beverages that are high in sugar and caffeine content in government school canteens; and (b) whether there are guidelines on the nutritional value and types of food and beverages allowed for sale in tertiary institutions.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: The food and beverages (F&B) sold in school canteens must comply with the Health Promotion Board's (HPB’s) guidelines. In particular, only drinks with sugar content equal to or less than 6 g/100 ml are allowed to be sold. This is a reduction from the previous guideline of 7 g/100 ml. Our teachers encourage students to drink plain water and schools have installed water fountains for their convenience.

HPB's other guidelines require stallholders to use healthier ingredients and to include four food groups – carbohydrates, proteins, fruit and vegetables. There are no guidelines on caffeine.

Similarly, our Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) are actively working with HPB and their F&B operators to provide and promote healthier options on campus. Healthier options include lower calorie meals, meals with higher nutrition value (eg, wholegrains) and lower sugar beverages.

Currently, over 50 F&B outlets, representing about 30% of the total number of F&B outlets at the IHLs, offer healthier options under the HPB’s Healthier Dining Programme. The IHLs are working with the other F&B outlets to increase participation in this programme.