Grades are not just used for academic advancement in Singapore; they are also used to rank the cleanliness of eateries, as well as the sugar and saturated fat content of food products.

I just went with my children to Children’s Museum, Singapore. I wasn’t surprised to learn that an entire section was dedicated to hawker food since it was recognised as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. But I was surprised to see the food rating signs pasted on a wall:

‘A’ means that the food stall has attained the best rating. If you enlarge the photo, you may see the Healthier Choice Symbol, which is often pasted as a label on foods deemed healthier.

The authorities sure start young, huh?

On another front, my children’s preschool is dishing out healthy food-themed projects as opportunities for kids to bond with their parents. The elder son has to cut and paste pictures of healthy and unhealthy foods on two teeth, whereas the younger daughter has to paste pictures of fruits and vegetables on a cardboard basket.

I must say that I approve of the state’s efforts. And impressed by how public education is multipronged, ranging from museums to schools.