Impact of Whey Protein Price Surge on Infant Formula Prices in Singapore

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) whether the global surge in whey protein prices has impacted the price of infant formula in Singapore; and (b) what will the Government do to ensure that prices of infant formula remain stable and affordable in Singapore.

Mr Speaker, higher global whey protein prices, alongside other rising costs, such as freight costs, could have contributed to the 2.8% year-on-year increase in infant formula retail prices between January and July 2026 in Singapore.

The Government's approach is to promote fair competition and encourage a diversified supply chain, so that families have access to more choices of infant formula products. We also help consumers make informed purchasing decisions through greater price and information transparency. For example, the Government has worked with the Consumers Association of Singapore to develop the mobile application Price Kaki, which allows consumers to compare the prices of a wide variety of daily essentials across various retailers, including infant formula products.

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore will also take firm enforcement action if there is any evidence of anti-competitive conduct by businesses.

Mr Fadli.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. High infant formula prices have been a concern among Singaporeans for some time, with a task force being formed 10 years ago to tackle the issue of formula milk prices, which were then among the highest in the world. Milk powder was also recently named by the Singapore Department of Statistics as one of the top five items most likely to experience shrinkflation.

I have just one supplementary question. In light of this, has the Government assessed any new measures, such as whether implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes in law, as recommended by the World Health Organization, would be helpful in reducing milk prices?

Thank you, Speaker. I thank the Member for his supplementary question. Indeed, the Government will continue to look at various ways to continue to ensure that the infant formula prices remain affordable in Singapore.

In general, our approach has been four thrusts: first, promoting competition; secondly, supporting informed decisions and ensuring that consumers have access to information; third, encouraging the diversification of the supply chain; and fourth, but also importantly, because we fully recognise the impact, especially on young vulnerable families, providing additional support for families in need, including through the Baby Bonus Cash Gift, but also for vulnerable families, additional support which they can approach the Social Service Offices for.