Poor dietary choices (i.e. high intakes of sugar, refined staples such as white rice and noodles, saturated fat) are a significant risk factor for chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. As such, the Singapore government introduced a Whole-of-Government (WOG) Healthier Catering policy which came into effect on 1st April 2017, to encourage healthier eating as a norm outside the home, in our community and workplaces.
The WOG Healthier Catering policy outlines what Government Procuring Entities (GPEs) must do to provide public sector employees and members of the public with healthy food and drink choices at government-organised functions and events, including trainings, conferences and meetings, where catered food is provided.
Non-GPEs, e.g. hospitals and government-linked companies, are also strongly encouraged to follow the policy when ordering catered meals.
Why introduce the WOG Healthier Catering policy?
The policy guidelines will make healthier catering the default in government-organised functions and events, including trainings, conferences and meetings. They aim to encourage higher consumption of whole-grains in place of refined starchy staples, and lower consumption of sugary drinks, saturated fat and high-calorie options.
What are the healthier catering guidelines?
Click on the accordion items below for an outline of the healthier catering guidelines.
With the WOG adopting healthier catering, we aim to add to the overall demand for healthier food and drinks and to make healthier options more widely available in other settings as well.
How to Order Healthy Catering