Written reply to mandatory unit pricing and adequacy of consumer protection frameworks in addressing shrinkflation, ingredient substitution and labelling transparency

Question:

Mr Yip Hon Weng: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in light of recent reports on shrinkflation (a) whether the Ministry has assessed making unit pricing mandatory for essential household products; and (b) whether existing consumer protection frameworks adequately address price increases arising from ingredient substitution, reduced product quantities, or packaging and labelling changes that obscure effective price increases.

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  The Government initiated the unit pricing pilot across major supermarkets in September 2025 and has received positive feedback that unit pricing has been useful in helping consumers compare prices across different brands and package sizes. The pilot will be expanded to cover more in-store and online outlets and a wider range of grocery items later this year. The Government will continue to gather more data from the consumers on the effectiveness of unit pricing, and also seek feedback from operators to understand the operational feasibility of unit pricing and the impact to their businesses, before deciding on the next steps.

2.                  Apart from promoting price and information transparency, the Government also seeks to promote fair competition and diversify our sources so that consumers have wider choices, and can enjoy more competitive prices for similar products. Where businesses make false or misleading representations, such actions constitute as unfair practices under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003 (CPFTA). The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) can also investigate and take enforcement action against such egregious businesses under the CPFTA.

3.                  CCS and the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) regularly conduct outreach and public education efforts to inform and educate consumers about their rights and available avenues for redress. Consumers are encouraged to contact CASE to share any concerns or feedback about suspected unfair trading practices.