Based on the current guidelines, HPB is encouraging the use of ingredients or snacks that have the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) or meet HCS guidelines. Kindly note that ingredients are mostly bought in bulk and may not necessarily have the HCS symbol and/or Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) to assess immediately if it meets HCS guidelines e.g., soya sauce, tomato sauce, Demi-Glace Sauce, cereal in bulk etc. In addition, delays due to requesting for NIP from suppliers and vetting of the ingredients can have an impact on menu planning and preparation of meals for childcare. This also runs a risk whereby food varieties for the children may be restricted due to the worry of not being able to meet the HCS guidelines.
There are many HCS-endorsed products or HCS-equivalent products available in the market and preschools can easily get an alternative if the product that they commonly used is out of stock. Additionally, you may also consider exploring our list of healthier ingredients suppliers to purchase ingredients at a more affordable rate. Before HMPP assessment, preschools can request the necessary documents e.g. nutrition information panel from the suppliers.
Related questions
Is it a must to use sauces, spreads, condiments and salt endorsed with healthier choice symbol (HCS) in schools and preschools?
The kitchen is concerned with managing their budget with the purchasing of Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) ingredients or products due to the cost difference. On top of this, the current inflation of food prices has already elevated the current cost of production.
Do we have to submit our menu for approval to HPB?
If the preschool serves biscuits, do they have to be HCS-endorsed?
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