Plan for food operators to offer healthier meal options and refrain from marketing unhealthy meal sets to students

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms See Jinli Jean, Nominated Member of Parliament

Question

To ask the Minister for Education in view of rising obesity rates among young people, how does the Ministry plan to work with coffeeshop and food court operators in the vicinity of schools to be deliberate and conscientious in (i) offering students healthier meal options and (ii) refraining from marketing to students unhealthy value-for-money meal sets.

Response

1. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) partners food establishments to increase the availability and accessibility of healthier options under the Healthier Dining Programme – these are not just for students, but for all consumers.

2. In schools, food and beverages sold in canteens, cafes and vending machines are required to comply with HPB's Healthy Meals in Schools Programme guidelines. As part of the school curriculum, students are also taught the importance of healthy eating, to adopt healthier eating habits and make healthier food choices.