A public consultation has been opened in Singapore on a draft Food Safety and Security Bill.
The Ministry of Sustainability and Environment (MSE) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will introduce the bill. It will consolidate food-related legislation from eight existing laws and introduce new powers to strengthen food safety.
Several provisions are open for comment. The Ministry of Health is seeking opinions on items relating to the promotion of better health for the general public. Feedback is possible until September 6.
Another part of the consultation consists of four segments, including sections related to food businesses and strengthening the resilience of the food supply. Comments are accepted until August 29.
SFA said new requirements will be implemented gradually and in consultation with businesses.
Examples of changes
The bill will include new sections requiring all licensed importers of food to provide data within 24 hours when requested, and to recall food products within a timeframe prescribed by the SFA.
If an authorized importer initiates a voluntary recall because food may be unsafe or unsuitable, they must also notify SFA within 24 hours. Another component is the ability for SFA and industry to run simulations to test recall procedures when necessary.
The bill requires farms to implement actions, such as food safety control measures, a biosecurity plan and a water quality monitoring plan for aquaculture, to limit the occurrence of food safety hazards. Companies such as caterers will need to formulate and implement a food control plan.
SFA does not currently prescribe a traceability system. New provisions will require companies to keep records of food produced or supplied. Information to be retained includes data to identify, locate and trace (one step back) incoming ingredients or products; and where the outbound products are distributed (a step forward), unless the transaction goes to the end users.
Officials in Singapore are also discussing the Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill, which aims to reduce food waste while making it easier to donate surplus food to those in need. Supporters said it would complement the Food Safety Act 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 meet before they are protected from criminal and civil liability. These state that food should not have been unsafe or unsuitable at the time it left their possession or control, informing recipients of the requirements for handling food, any time limits for food remaining safe, and that measures are in place were taken to comply with food hygiene laws when handling food.
Catering companies linked to the outbreak were allowed to restart
Meanwhile, the Singapore Food Agency has lifted the suspension of two caterers linked to an outbreak at the offices of ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, in July.
SFA said Yun Hai Yao Pte, located on Northpoint Drive, has taken the required measures. The company has disposed of all ready-to-eat food, thawed food and perishable food items, and cleaned and sanitized the premises, including equipment and utensils, and disinfected food preparation surfaces, tables and floors. Employees have also followed the relevant courses.
The Ministry of Health and the SFA received reports of 169 people falling ill after having food prepared by Yun Hai Yao Pte and Pu Tien Services Pte at ByteDance’s office. A total of seventeen people were hospitalized, but all have now been discharged.
A few days earlier, SFA allowed Pu Tien Services Pte, located on Senoko South Road, to resume operations.
SFA has placed both companies under surveillance to ensure they comply with food safety requirements. The agency is also considering taking enforcement action based on findings from the investigation.
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