COUNTRY'S NEWS

Singapore Enacts New Law to Strengthen Food Security and Safety

Posted on by content02.vinahugo
09
Oct

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, on January 8, 2025, the Singapore Parliament passed the Food Safety and Security Act (FSSA), a new comprehensive law aimed at consolidating and updating existing regulationson food security and safety.

The FSSA seeks to enhance Singapore’s resilience in the face of climate change, adapt to the emergence of novel foods, and modernize the agri-food system. The Act replaces and unifies eight existing food-related laws.

1. Licensing Requirements

Under Part 3 of the FSSA, the regulation of controlled food items — such as meat, fruits, and eggs — is streamlined through a two-tier licensing framework:

  • Tier 1: Traders dealing in these products must obtain import or export licenses from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

  • Tier 2: Each imported, exported, or transshipped consignment must also be licensed to ensure compliance with food safety requirements.

2. Traceability and Record-Keeping Obligations

To enable rapid recalls of unsafe products, Parts 3 and 4 of the FSSA mandate traceability and documentation for licensed food importers and traders.

License holders must:

  1. Maintain immediate access to supplier, manufacturer, and product details;

  2. Implement procedures for identifying and tracing food products throughout the supply chain; and

  3. Establish a product recall protocol for unsafe food items.

3. Food Control Plan Requirement

A “Food Control Plan” is now a mandatory licensing condition for food businesses that do not engage in food production.

Each plan must detail measures related to:

  • Worker hygiene;

  • Facility design, maintenance, and sanitation;

  • Identification and management of potential food safety hazards; and

  • Corrective actions for non-compliance.

Similar requirements apply to animal feed businesses.

4. Regulation of “Specified Foods”

The FSSA introduces a new category of “Specified Foods”, which includes:

  • Novel foods,

  • Genetically modified foods, and

  • Foods derived from insects.

These products are now subject to pre-market approval before being sold.
This unified regulatory framework is intended to foster innovation while maintaining consumer confidence in emerging food technologies.

5. Higher Penalties for Violations

The FSSA raises the maximum fine for food safety violations to SGD 50,000.
Additionally, individuals or companies whose licenses are revoked due to fraud or repeated offenses will be barred from reapplying for up to three years.
Previously, offenders could reapply immediately after conviction.

The Act will be implemented in phases to allow businesses time to adapt.
Provisions relating to “Specified Foods” are expected to take effect by late 2025, while full implementation of all other sections is anticipated by 2028.

6. Recommendations for Vietnamese Exporters

Mr. Cao Xuan Thang, Commercial Counselor and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, advises Vietnamese industry associations and exporting enterprises to:

  • Thoroughly study the new FSSA provisions;

  • Ensure strict compliance when exporting food and agricultural products to Singapore; and

  • Uphold brand credibility to avoid penalties and safeguard long-term market access.

The full text of the Food Safety and Security Act (FSSA 2025) can be accessed at:
 https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/FSSA2025/Uncommenced/20250226?DocDate=20250206