Regulation of Food and Beverage Vending Machines in Schools and Educational Institutions

Mr Darryl David asked the Minister for Education (a) whether food and beverage vending machines placed in schools and educational institutions are regulated by the Ministry; and (b) if so, what guidelines are in place with regard to the type of food and beverage vending machines that are allowed in schools.

Food and beverages (F&B) sold in canteens, cafes and vending machines in schools adhere to the Health Promotion Board (HPB) Healthy Meals in Schools Programme (HMSP) guidelines and are subjected to HPB's compliance assessment. The HMSP aims to encourage children to adopt healthy eating habits from a young age and consume a healthy and balanced diet in school. HMSP guidelines include having at least two water coolers in the canteen and permitted sugar level of commercial drinks, so that children learn to drink water and beverages with less sugar.

The Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) also promote healthier F&B choices on campus and work with their F&B vendors, including vending machine operators, to achieve this.