Singapore Food Safety Act & SFA Regulations Flashcards

Which government agency is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food in Singapore?

Answer: Singapore Food Agency (SFA)

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is the statutory board under the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment responsible for ensuring that food sold in Singapore is safe, wholesome, and correctly labelled. SFA consolidated the food-related functions of the former AVA, NEA, and HSA.

Under the Sale of Food Act (SFA Act), it is an offence to sell food that is:

Answer: Unsafe, adulterated, or not of the quality demanded by the purchaser

The Sale of Food Act makes it an offence to sell food that is unsafe (unfit for human consumption), adulterated (contaminated or debased), or not of the nature, substance, or quality demanded by the purchaser. Selling such food can result in fines and imprisonment.

What is Singapore's primary legislation governing food hygiene standards in food establishments?

Answer: Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA) and Food Hygiene Regulations

The Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA) and its subsidiary legislation — the Food Hygiene Regulations — set out the hygiene standards, licensing requirements, and conduct rules for food establishments in Singapore. SFA and NEA enforce these provisions.

What must all food establishments in Singapore obtain from SFA before commencing operations?

Answer: A valid food stall licence or food shop licence

All food establishments — whether hawker stalls, restaurants, cafes, or food manufacturers — must obtain the relevant licence from SFA (previously NEA for hawker stalls) before commencing operations. Operating without a valid licence is an offence.

What is the 'Grade' system displayed in Singapore food establishments?

Answer: A hygiene grading system (A, B, C, D) awarded by SFA based on periodic inspections of cleanliness and food safety standards

Singapore's food hygiene grading system awards grades A, B, C, or D to food establishments based on SFA/NEA inspection results. Grade A indicates the highest standard of hygiene. Establishments must display their grade prominently. Poor grades can lead to suspension of licences.

Under Singapore regulations, food handlers must be:

Answer: Certified in food hygiene through a WSQ-accredited course before handling food

All food handlers in Singapore must complete an accredited food hygiene course (WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 is the basic requirement) before they are allowed to handle food in a licensed food establishment. This ensures a baseline of food safety knowledge across the industry.