Malaysia to roll out nutri-grade labelling system to curb sugar consumption
The Health Ministry will phase in the Nutri-Grade Malaysia system, starting with ready-to-drink beverages, to promote healthier habits.
MALAYSIA – Malaysia’s Health Ministry will introduce the Nutri-Grade Malaysia labelling system in phases, beginning with ready-to-drink beverages before expanding it to freshly prepared drinks sold at retail outlets and food establishments.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Nutri-Grade system, which classifies beverages based on their total sugar content, forms part of broader national initiatives to enhance public health and encourage healthier dietary choices among Malaysians.
According to Dr Dzulkefly, implementing the Nutri-Grade system will necessitate amendments to the Food Act 1983 and the Food Regulations 1985.
The system categorizes beverages into grades A to D, with Grade D drinks containing more than 10 grams of total sugar per 100 millilitres. Beverages in this category will be prohibited from being advertised on any media platform once the system comes into effect.
He made the remarks in a written parliamentary reply to Suhaizan Kaiat (PH–Pulai), who inquired whether Malaysia planned to adopt a holistic nutrition labelling system similar to those used in Australia and New Zealand to address obesity and diabetes.
Dr Dzulkefly said Malaysia’s Nutri-Grade system differs from Australia and New Zealand’s front-of-pack labelling approach, which evaluates multiple nutrient components.
Malaysia’s focus, he explained, is specifically on sugar content in beverages to directly tackle rising sugar consumption levels.
Citing findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024, Dr Dzulkefly noted an increase in sugar intake among both adults and adolescents, with nearly half of total free sugar consumption attributed to beverages.
He also highlighted the coexistence of Malaysia’s voluntary front-of-pack Healthier Choice Logo (HCL) system, which assesses products based on several nutrient factors, including total fat, salt, sugar, fibre, and whole-grain content.
As of October, 1,002 food and beverage products had been granted the Healthier Choice Logo. Dr Dzulkefly said the implementation of both the Nutri-Grade and HCL systems supports the National Nutrition Policy of Malaysia, which seeks to reduce sugar intake and foster better nutritional practices nationwide.
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