Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, under the Sale of Food Act, a licence to operate a food processing establishment is required from SFA, for the manufacturing, processing, preparation or packing of foods (excluding meat or fish processing) for the purpose of distribution to wholesalers and retailers.
The premises used for manufacturing, processing, preparation or packing of food for the purpose of distribution must be carried out in a properly designed and constructed food processing establishment equipped with all the necessary facilities.

Use of residential house as a food processing establishment for manufacturing of food for distribution is not allowed.

You may apply for a Licence to operate a food processing establishment (excluding meat and fish) via GoBusiness Licensing.

It all depends on how soon you can comply with the health requirements, specific to your food establishment, which will be issued to you for compliance during the licensing stage.

Please be reminded that no food processing operation is allowed until approval of the licence is granted.

SFA adopts a multi-pronged approach to ensure good food hygiene standards in Singapore - education, surveillance and enforcement. Food handlers working in food retail establishments need to be registered with SFA and pass the mandatory Basic Food Hygiene Course (BFHC), so that food handlers are equipped with knowledge on good hygiene practices. Food handlers are responsible for the application of what they have learnt from the BFHC and the practice of good personal and food hygiene at all times. SFA also will continue to inspect food retail outlets regularly and strict enforcement action will be taken against any errant food retail outlets.

SFA has in place a Points Demerit System (PDS), which is a systematic and fair approach in dealing with the suspension or revocation of licences. If a licensee accumulates 12 demerit points or more within 12 months, his licence will either be suspended for two weeks or four weeks, or be revoked, depending on past suspension records. SFA publishes suspension notices on our website to inform the public.

Licensed food operators have the responsibility to ensure that food sold at retail outlets is prepared hygienically and safe for consumption. Food operators and their food handlers should observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times. Food operators are also to ensure that all food handlers are registered with SFA and that they do not engage in any food preparation if they are sick. Food retail outlets are inspected regularly and strict enforcement action is taken against any errant food retail outlets.

In 2017, NEA conducted more than 88,000 inspections on food premises and took more than 3,100 enforcement actions against errant food operators who flouted hygiene regulations.

During these inspections, our officers also educate and remind licensees and food handlers on proper food and personal hygiene practices. Licensees who are convicted for hygiene lapses may be liable to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and may have their licences suspended or revoked. We encourage members of the public to support food outlets which observe good hygiene practices, and report those with potential hygiene lapses that merit investigation to SFA via https://www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback.

The SFA regulates the labelling of all food in Singapore. Currently, SFA is reviewing the requirement on labelling of GM food with the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC).