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Healthier Choice Symbol Programme
Published by:
Health Promotion Board
Is the policy document adopted?:
Yes
Country(ies):
Singapore
Date:
2009
Published year:
2009
Type of policy:
Voluntary codes or measures relevant to nutrition
URL link:
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/programmes-article/2780
Reference:
WHO 2nd Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017
Policy topics:
Food labelling
Front-of-pack labelling
Summary indicators (e.g. stars, Nordic Keyhole)
Energy value (FOP)
Saturated fatty acids (FOP)
Global database on the Implementation of
Nutrition Action (GINA)
Tabs
Legislation Details
Legislation details:
The Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) on packaged food products indicates that they are healthier options, and this helps consumers to
make informed food choices when grocery shopping. Products carrying the HCS are generally lower in total fat, saturated fat, sodium
and sugar. Some are also higher in dietary fibre and calcium compared to similar products within the same food category.
A variant of the HCS for snack foods, known as the Healthier Snack Symbol (HSS) has also recently been introduced. This category
includes crisps and ice-cream. (...) A variant of the HCS specifically for food service ingredients, known as the Healthier Ingredient
Symbol (HIS) has also recently been introduced. This category includes Oil, Table Salt, Oriental Noodles, Brown Rice, Bee Hoon and
Soups and broth.
New HCS low Glycemic Index symbol for cereal products. (...) Foods carrying the HCS low Glycemic Index Logo must fulfil ALL of the
following criteria:
Food product carrying the logo must meet the low GI claim criteria
The low Glycemic Index logo is only applicable to food products in the HCS cereal category (E.g. mixed rice, noodles, buns,
cakes etc.)
Must meet all the HCS nutrient guidelines as specified in the cereal category
Sodium-salt (FOP)
Total sugars (FOP)
Trans fatty acids (FOP)
World Health Organization
2012. All rights reserved.
22 January 2019
https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/22936