People in Singapore are eating more wholegrain, fruit and vegetables, and consuming fewer calories, however it is their high consumption of sugar and salt that has the authorities concerned.
This year's National Nutrition survey found that the average daily salt intake here is 9 grams - almost twice the maximum of 5 grams a day. The sugar intake has increased from 59g a day in 2010 to 60g this year. The World Health Organisation's recommendation is for 25g - or six teaspoons - a day.
In terms of total consumption, people here are taking in 2,470 calories a day, down from 2,600 in 2010. But it remains far higher than the 2,200 for men and 1,800 for women that the HPB recommends. It is also more than people here were consuming in 2004.
However, according to straitstimes.com there has been a shift to better quality carbohydrates. Unrefined carbohydrates now make up 17 percent of all carbohydrates eaten, up from 14 percent in 2010. The HPB said: "This was largely the result of increased consumption of wholegrain, as well as fruit and vegetables.” It added that the trend was corroborated by increase in sales of wholegrain rice and bread, fruit and vegetables.
