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SINGAPORE: Hwa Chong Institution has defended its new canteen programme after photos of student meals sparked an online backlash, saying the images do not accurately reflect the food standards.<\/p>\n
However, students interviewed by CNA on Wednesday (Jan 7) confirmed the images showed what was being served.<\/p>\n
The controversy erupted when photos posted on social media platform Reddit on Jan 3 showed meals in turquoise trays containing rice, vegetables and protein. They drew sharp criticism from netizens who questioned whether the food met adequate nutritional and quality standards.<\/p>\n
The nine Hwa Chong students who spoke to CNA had divided opinions about the bento meals.<\/p>\n
“The chicken was watered down and the pasta tasted like grass,” said a Secondary 1 student who had selected a black pepper pasta dish. About half his class had tried the bento meals, he said, and most did not enjoy the food.<\/p>\n
A Secondary 4 student who tried two dishes \u2013 macaroni with tomato sauce and chicken rice \u2013 complained about portion imbalance. “I don’t think it provides a lot of nutrition,” he said, noting there was too much pasta and rice compared to side dishes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The pasta was also “a bit too salty”, he added.<\/p>\n
However, not all feedback was negative. A Secondary 3 student who had an oriental chicken meal said the criticism had been exaggerated.<\/p>\n
“The taste wasn’t like, obviously, as good as the canteen food, but it was still pretty okay,” the student said, adding that he plans to order the pre-made meals once or twice a week. “It’s over-hated.”<\/p>\n
One student said that many peers who chose bento meals on the first day of school switched to freshly cooked canteen food the following day, creating longer queues at the food stalls.<\/p>\n
In response to CNA’s queries, Hwa Chong said on Tuesday night: “The school notes that a photograph circulating online does not accurately reflect the typical food offerings or portion standards under this arrangement.”<\/p>\n
The school said it has been closely monitoring canteen operations, including food quality and portion sizes. It added that the bento meals are provided by SATS and designed by certified nutritionists.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A SATS spokesperson said the meal programmes comply with guidelines from the Ministry of Education and Health Promotion Board, taking into account students’ nutritional needs alongside food safety and quality standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n