SFA's Statement on Chicken Import
Date : 23 May 2022
1 Approximately 34% of Singapore’s chicken imports in 2021 are from Malaysia (almost all are imported as live chickens which are slaughtered and chilled in Singapore).
2 SFA is closely monitoring the situation on imports from Malaysia and working with stakeholders, such as importers to minimise the impact on our chicken supply. For example, they will activate their supply chains to increase imports of chilled chicken from alternative sources, increase import of frozen chicken from existing non-Malaysia suppliers, or draw from their stocks of poultry.
3 While there may be temporary disruptions to the supply of chilled chicken, frozen chicken options remain available to mitigate the shortfall. We strongly encourage consumers to play their part by being open to switching choices within and across food groups (such as consuming frozen chicken instead of chilled) as well as other sources of meat products. We also advise consumers to buy only what they need.
Media Reply on Home Based Food Businesses (HBFBs)
Date : 4 May 2022
1 Under URA’s and HDB’s respective Home-Based Business Schemes, those living in private and HDB residential premises may carry out small scale home-based business activities, including food businesses such as baking on a small scale.
2 The scale of operations in a residential unit is limited. This, together with the conditions of URA’s and HDB’s Scheme, meant that food is prepared for only a small number of people. Given this, SFA has a set of guidelines on good food safety practices which operators under the scheme can refer to. As long as the operators comply with this set of guidelines, they will not need a licence from SFA.
3 For the sale of meat and seafood products, operators should only sell products that are legally imported in compliance with the Wholesome Meat and Fish Act (WMFA). Operators should also ensure that the food they sell are obtained from SFA-regulated sources, are prepared in a hygienic manner and are safe for human consumption. In view that ready-to-eat (RTE) raw seafood are considered a high-risk food as they do not go through a cooking process, and home-based operators may not have the proper facility and segregation of processes to handle raw and partially raw fish as well as cockles, home-based operators are not allowed to prepare it for sale from home.
4 HBFBs experiencing high demand for their food products and are interested in scaling up their operations are advised to set up a licensed food premises as they professionalise their operations into a full-fledged business.
5 Food safety is a joint responsibility. SFA would like to remind food operators, including HBFBs, to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times. Those who handle and prepare food under this Scheme are also encouraged to attend Food Safety Course Level 1. Consumers are also encouraged to exercise discretion when purchasing from home-based food businesses. SFA will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Sale of Food Act and/or the Environmental Public Health Act.
6 More information on guidelines for HBFBs can be found on our website www.sfa.gov.sg/food-retail/overview.
Media Reply on Number of Temporary Fair Permits Issued for “Pasar Malams”
Date : 14 April 2022
As at 14 Apr 5pm, there are 6 temporary fair permits that have been approved at the following locations:
- Wisma Geylang Serai
- Kandahar Street and Sultan Gate at Kampong Glam
- In the vicinity of Block 709 Ang Mo Kio Central
- In the vicinity of Clementi Central
- In the vicinity of Tanjong Katong Complex
- Open area between Blk 212 and Blk 208 Bedok North Street 1