WSQ Food Labelling & Pest Control

Question 1

Under Singapore's Sale of Food Act regulations, which of the following is a mandatory requirement on a pre-packaged food label?

Accepted Answer

Name of food, list of ingredients, net content, name and address of manufacturer/importer, expiry date, and country of origin (where required)

Answer

Only the product name and manufacturer name

Answer

Only the ingredients list and expiry date

Answer

Only the nutrition information panel

Question 2

What is the difference between a 'best before' date and a 'use by' date on food labels?

Accepted Answer

'Best before' indicates when quality begins to decline but the food may still be safe after this date; 'use by' is a safety date after which the food must not be consumed

Answer

Both dates mean the same thing — the food must not be consumed after either date

Answer

'Best before' applies to dry goods only; 'use by' applies to fresh foods only

Answer

'Use by' indicates the last date for purchase; 'best before' is the last date for consumption

Question 3

What allergen information must be declared on food labels in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

The 9 major allergens — cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, tree nuts, and sulfites — must be declared if present

Answer

Only peanut and tree nut allergens need to be declared

Answer

Allergen declaration is voluntary in Singapore

Answer

Only allergens present in quantities above 5% of total ingredients need to be declared

Question 4

What does 'country of origin' labelling on food require?

Accepted Answer

Pre-packaged meat, poultry, fish, and certain other foods must declare the country where the food was produced, processed, or significantly transformed

Answer

All food products must declare country of origin

Answer

Country of origin only applies to imported food, not locally produced food

Answer

Country of origin is a voluntary declaration in Singapore

Question 5

What must a Halal food label in Singapore be certified by?

Accepted Answer

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)

Answer

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA)

Answer

Any registered Islamic organisation in Singapore

Answer

The food manufacturer's own Halal committee

Question 6

What is a 'nutrition information panel' (NIP) and when is it required on food labels in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

A panel declaring the energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, sugars, dietary fibre, and sodium content per serving and per 100g — required for most pre-packaged foods

Answer

Only required for foods marketed with health claims

Answer

Only required for food products sold to children

Answer

Voluntary for all food products in Singapore