New framework for grading food establishments to kick in from Jan 19: Singapore Food Agency

[SINGAPORE] The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Wednesday (Jan 7) announced that it will implement a new framework for grading food establishments from Jan 19.

The Safety Assurance for Food Establishments (Safe) framework “strengthens food safety assurance by the industry”, SFA said.

The statutory board added that the framework will also help consumers to “make more informed dining choices, by referring to Safe grades and supporting establishments that prioritise food safety”.

Dr Tan Lee Kim, SFA’s director-general for food administration and deputy chief executive for food safety, said that Safe “offers a more effective way to assess food safety performance”.

“By recognising food establishments which consistently maintain high standards, we strengthen food safety across the industry while empowering consumers to make informed choices,” she added.

Dr Tan also said SFA will work with food establishments during the transition to the new framework, which will replace the current system that assigns “A”, “B”, “C” or “D” ratings based on annual snapshot assessments.

Some 45,000 retail and non-retail SFA-licensed establishments will come under Safe. They will fall into one of two categories, based on their level of food processing or preparation.

SFA explained that establishments involved in “significant” food processing or preparation will fall under Category 1, while those that engage in “low (to) moderate” levels of food processing or preparation will fall under Category 2.

Establishments will be assigned an “A”, “B” or “C” grade based on their food safety track records, implementation of food safety management systems, and the appointment of an advanced food hygiene officer.

SEE ALSO

With ‘30 by 30’ goal under review, do more to cultivate a culture of local produce

Singapore drops ‘30 by 30’ farming goal, sets revised targets for fibre and protein by 2035

To qualify as an advanced food hygiene officer, one must attain the Workforce Skills Qualification Food Safety Course Level 4 certification.

Establishments with consistently good food safety track records will attain higher grades, while those with poor track records will receive lower grades and be subject to more frequent inspections, SFA said.

Establishments that have been in operation for under a year will be assigned a “new” grade, so that consumers can distinguish them from operators with established track records.

The framework will be implemented in two phases. This approach “provides more time for food establishments aspiring to attain higher grades to put in place the necessary systems to do so”, SFA explained.

Under phase one, which starts on Jan 19, all food establishments will be graded based on track records and will need a good track record of more than three years, with no major lapses, to attain an “A” grade.

Under phase two, Category 1 establishments must satisfy two additional requirements to attain an “A” grade. First, they will need to appoint an advanced food hygiene officer; second, they will need to implement a food safety management system.

No start date was announced for phase two, although SFA said more details will be announced “by 2027”.