Forum: Beware of downsides to low-cost hawker food
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To help Singaporeans, especially the middle- and lower-income families, fight the rising cost of living and provide them with affordable food options, the number of coffee shops offering budget meals will more than double to 330 by end-July (180 more coffee shops to start offering budget meals by end-July and accept CDC vouchers, July 1).
While this scheme is well-intended, we must be mindful of its potential adverse impact.
To begin with, an unfair burden and responsibility has been imposed on many hardworking hawkers, some of whom are already struggling to make a living. Having to offer meals at enforced low prices of not more than $3.50 makes things harder for them.
Meanwhile, we should also expect that budget meals might unintentionally shift Singaporeans’ eating and dietary habits, which can harm their long-term health. Budget meals are usually tasty but might not be sufficiently nutritious to be considered balanced and healthy.
To justify the selling price capped at $3.50, it is not unreasonable to expect that hawkers would use cheaper or lower-grade ingredients in their food, which might be less healthy.
Over a longer period, eating such unbalanced meals, which might be high in saturated fat, salt, sugar and food additives, can cause obesity and other health issues.
To make matters worse, lured by the affordable prices, some people might over-consume these meals to the detriment of their health.
I believe it is better to educate, inform and encourage people to prepare and eat as many home-cooked meals as possible, rather than have them eat more budget meals.
Of course, there will be those who find it more convenient to eat out. But home-cooked meals are usually more cost-effective, especially for larger families which can enjoy economies of scale, and healthier than budget meals.
Therefore, I urge that the scheme of providing budget meals not be expanded.
Let us allow the hawkers to conduct their trade unencumbered and let people decide where and what to eat without being enticed by low prices.
Ang Ah Lay
