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October 2009 Issue
Fresh Bites
Food For Thought
Events & Activities
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With more than 2400 Healthier Choice Symbol products in the market, it is a timely move to introduce differentiated logos as enhancement to the programme. This is in line with the recent announcement made in May 2009 by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority on nutrient specific diet-related claims, where information on claims can support the use of these logos.
These new logos will give consumers more information by carrying one, or a maximum of two, nutrient specific claims appropriate to the product in addition to the current HCS logo.
Research has found that consumer use of nutrition information on labels is increasing and that such information should be simple and easy to understand, minimizing the time needed to evaluate these logos when making a selection.
One benefit for food industries is an additional avenue for product differentiation.
The new nutrient specific claims to be used with the HCS logos are:
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1. Higher in whole-grains
For example, brown rice/ brown rice bee hoon, whole-grains breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, whole-grain pasta |
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2. Higher in calcium
For example, in soy products, milk and milk products |
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3. Lower in Sodium
For example, in sauces, recipe mixes, convenience meals, canned and processed meat/ poultry, seafood, legumes, nuts and seeds |
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4. Lower in Sugar
For example, in sweetened drinks, beverages, cultured milk, yoghurt, fruit |
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5. Lower in saturated fat
For example, in fat spread, oil, dairy products, oriental noodles |
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6. Trans fat free
For example, in biscuits, cookies, cakes, filled buns & rolls (filled/ unfilled), margarine. |
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How and when can my company apply for these new logos?
With immediate effect, all new applications received would be accorded the respective new logos upon approval. Each logo can carry up to a maximum of two nutrient claims, appropriate to the product. The first claim would be decided by HPB while companies may choose the second nutrient claim. Companies can send their application forms to HPB, Nutritional Labeling Programme. Contact details can be found below.
If a product is already carrying the HCS logo, is it mandatory to change to the new logo?
Although carrying the new HCS logo is not mandatory, we strongly encourage companies to update the packaging in view of the public education campaign on positive labeling targeted for March 2010. The publicity campaign aims to educate members of the public on purchasing healthier products by selecting items carrying the HCS logo. For companies that are launching new products endorsed with HCS, updating their packaging or making reprints for products with the HCS logo, this would be an excellent opportunity to incorporate the new logos.
When do we have to change the logo by?
There is no deadline for making the change on the packaging. Having said, in view of the public education campaign on positive labeling in March 2010, it would be advantageous for food companies to update their packaging before the campaign.
Can I continue using the current HCS logo on our present packaging?
Taking into consideration the mass production of packaging, yes companies may continue to use the current logos present on existing packaging. Going forward, all new applications would be granted the new logos, while the current logos would be gradually phased out. We strongly recommend companies to update the logos during the reprints. Companies may approach HPB for these new logos. Alternatively, these logos will also be replaced during the renewal of the license agreement.
The packaging is very small and too crowded to contain the new logo with the nutrition claims. Can I continue to use the current logo?
Under such circumstances, companies may wish to continue using the current logos, given that all options of incorporating the new logos have been considered. Companies should be aware that moving forward, more products in the market would be carrying the new logos.
Are the guidelines for the application of the new logos same as the current logos?
Yes, the guidelines for application of the new logos for each of the respective food categories are the same. To keep abreast of developments in the market, HPB will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments to tighten these guidelines periodically.
For more information on Healthier Choice Symbol labeling programme, guidelines and application procedures, click here. |
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