NTUC FairPrice launched its sixth Made in
Singapore Fair yesterday, along with a new range of ready-to-eat
meals.
The fair is an annual initiative to raise awareness for
local producers and locally produced food items, and will run at
all FairPrice stores till Sept 20.
Besides featuring 50 local products ranging from fresh
vegetables and seafood to sauces and noodles, the fair will also
feature a line of 17 halal-certified ready-to-eat meals developed
by Taste Asia, under the Select Group.
The meals include Asian delights such as pineapple
fried rice and curry chicken rice, which are cooked and chilled,
and do not contain preservatives.
"A lot of products at the fair are actually certified
with the healthier choice symbol and right now, we have about 2,000
items with the symbol," said Mr Tng Ah Yiam, FairPrice's deputy
chief executive and head of products.
"In line with the Government's push for healthier
eating, we see more suppliers coming forward to tweak their recipes
to ensure their products are healthier."
The ready-to-eat meals were piloted three months ago at
Ang Mo Kio's FairPrice Xtra, with positive feedback, especially
from senior citizens who found the range "not only convenient but
also delicious and nutritious," said Mr Tng.
Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Trade
& Industry and National Development, said: "Industries should
seek technology and innovation to offer unique products."
He cited the range of low-glycemic index pizzas that
FairPrice has developed with Temasek Polytechnic students as an
example.
It was also introduced yesterday.
Mr Tng added: "Buying local not only supports local
companies, it also helps in diversifying and establishing greater
food security in Singapore. "
TNP