Singapore has opened a public consultation on its draft Food Safety and Security Bill.
The bill, to be introduced by the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment (MSE) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), will consolidate food-related legislation from eight existing laws and introduce new powers to enforce food safety.
Various clauses are up for comment. The Ministry of Health is seeking comments on the section relating to improving the health of the general public. Comments are open until September 6th.
Another part of the consultation has four segments, including a section on strengthening the resilience of food businesses and the food supply. Comments are welcome. Until August 29th.
The SFA said the new requirements would be phased in in consultation with businesses.
Example of changes
The Bill will include new provisions requiring all licensed food importers to provide records within 24 hours upon request and to complete food recalls within the time frame directed by the SFA.
Licensed importers who initiate a voluntary recall because food may be unsafe or unfit must also notify the SFA within 24 hours, and the SFA and industry can also carry out simulations to test recall procedures if necessary.
The bill requires farms to implement measures such as food safety control measures, biosecurity plans and aquaculture water quality monitoring plans to mitigate the occurrence of food safety hazards. Businesses such as catering companies will be required to develop and implement food control plans.
The SFA does not currently mandate traceability systems. The new regulations will require businesses to keep records on food produced or supplied. The information kept will include data to identify, locate and trace incoming raw materials or products (one step back) and where outgoing products are delivered (one step back), unless the transaction is to the end consumer.
Singapore officials are also debating a “Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill” aimed at reducing food waste and making it easier to donate surplus food to people in need. Supporters say the bill would complement the Food Safety Bill by requiring donors and distribution organizations to comply with food safety requirements.
The Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill has four conditions that donors must comply with before they are protected from criminal and civil liability. These conditions include that the food must not be safe or unfit when it leaves the donor’s possession or control, that recipients must be informed of food handling requirements, that there are limits on the period for which food will be safe, and that steps must be taken to comply with food hygiene laws when handling food.
Catering businesses linked to infection outbreak allowed to resume business
Meanwhile, the Singapore Food Agency has lifted suspensions of two catering companies linked to an outbreak at the offices of TikTok owner ByteDance in July.
The SFA said Yun Hai Yao Co Ltd on North Point Drive has taken the necessary measures. The company has disposed of all cooked, thawed and fresh foods, cleaned and disinfected its premises including equipment and utensils, and sanitized food preparation surfaces, tables and floors. Staff have also completed relevant courses.
The Ministry of Health and the SFA received reports of 169 people falling ill after eating meals prepared by Yun Hai Yao Pte and Pu Tien Services Pte at ByteDance’s offices. A total of 17 people were hospitalized, but have since been released.
A few days ago, the SFA gave the go-ahead for Pu Tien Services Pte on Senoko South Road to resume operations.
The SFA is monitoring the two companies to ensure they comply with food safety standards and may take enforcement action based on the findings of its investigations.
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