Two schemes to promote healthier eating expanded

Noting that overall dietary changes are important in the fight against diabetes, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) said yesterday that it had expanded the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP) and Healthier Ingredient Development Scheme (Hids).

More than 1,600 food and beverage outlets have come on board the HDP as of March, including restaurants, cafes, food kiosks and caterers, and food courts.

Under the programme, which was introduced in 2014, the outlets offer consumers healthier options, such as lower-calorie meals, food prepared with healthier ingredients and reduced-sugar beverages.

Since late last year, the HDP has been extended to include hawker centres and coffee shops. The number of healthier meals sold has increased more than three-fold from 7.5 million in 2014 to 26 million as of March, the HPB said.

The board is also helping food manufacturers under Hids to expand their range of healthier ingredients, such as the use of brown rice or wholegrains in rice and noodles, as well as healthier sugars and cooking oil.

The scheme supports industry players in areas such as product development and trade promotions. The HPB hopes to reach out to 20 to 30 ingredient suppliers by 2020. The HPB will continue to offer free community exercise and sports programmes at public spaces, such as Sundays@the Park and Sunrise in the City.

And from Sept 1, the enhanced Screen for Life subsidies will be launched, where all eligible Singaporeans can go for recommended screening, such as for diabetes, and follow-up at Community Health Assist Scheme GP clinics.

They will pay a fixed fee of S$5 or less for their screening test and first post-screening follow-up consultation. The HPB will be sending out letters to notify Singaporeans of their eligibility.