Singapore opens cubic comment period on food safety bill

A public consultation has been opened in Singapore on a draft of the Food Safety and Security Bill.

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will introduce the bill. It will consolidate food-related legislation from eight existing acts and introduce new powers to strengthen food safety.

Various provisions are open for comment. The Ministry of Health is seeking views on parts covering the promotion of better health for the general public. Feedback is open until Sept. 6.

Another part of the consultation has four segments including sections related to food businesses and strengthening resilience of food supplies. Comments are being accepted until Aug. 29.

SFA said new requirements will be implemented progressively and in consultation with businesses.

Examples of changes
The bill will have new sections to require all licensed importers of food to provide records within 24 hours when requested, and complete recalls of food products within a timeframe directed by SFA.

If a licensed importer initiates a voluntary recall because food might be unsafe or unsuitable it must also notify SFA within 24 hours. Another part is the ability for SFA and industry to conduct simulations to test recall procedures when required.

The bill will require farms to implement actions, such as food safety control measures, a biosecurity plan and a monitoring plan for water quality for aquaculture, to mitigate occurrence of food safety hazards. Operations such as caterers will need to formulate and implement a Food Control Plan.

SFA currently does not mandate a traceability system. New provisions will require businesses to keep records relating to the food manufactured or supplied. Information to be kept includes data to identify, locate and trace incoming ingredients or products (one step back); and where the outgoing products are distributed (one step forward), unless the transaction is to final consumers.

Officials in Singapore are also discussing the Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill, which intends to reduce food waste while making it easier to donate surplus food to those in need. Supporters said it would complement the Food Safety and Security Bill, by requiring donors and distribution organizations to comply with food safety requirements.

There are four conditions in the Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill that donors must comply with, before they are protected from criminal and civil liability. These mention food should not have been unsafe or unsuitable at the time it left their possession or control, informing recipients of food handling requirements, of any time limit on food remaining safe, and taking measures to comply with food hygiene laws when handling food.

Caterers linked to outbreak allowed to restart
Meanwhile, the Singapore Food Agency has lifted the suspension of two caterers linked to an outbreak at the offices of ByteDance, the owner of TikTok in July.

SFA said Yun Hai Yao Pte, located at Northpoint Drive, has taken the required measures. The company disposed of all ready-to eat food, thawed food and perishable food items, and cleaned and sanitized their premises, including equipment and utensils, and disinfected food preparation surfaces, tables, and floors. Staff have also passed the relevant courses.

The Ministry of Health and SFA received reports of 169 people falling sick after having food prepared by Yun Hai Yao Pte and Pu Tien Services Pte at ByteDance’s office. A total of 17 people were hospitalized but they have all since been discharged.

A few days earlier, SFA allowed Pu Tien Services Pte, located at Senoko South Road, to resume operations.

SFA has placed both firms under surveillance to ensure they follow food safety requirements. The agency is also considering taking enforcement action based on findings from the investigation.

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