This Food Safety and Security Act 2025 of Singapore is a comprehensive legislation enacted to consolidate and modernize Singapore’s food safety laws. It aims to enhance food security, ensure the safety and suitability of food and drinking water, and promote sustainable primary production.
The Act seeks to improve food security by introducing a minimum stockholding requirement (MSR) for critical food items and agri-food production inputs. It emphasizes transparency, accountability, and public health protection, with detailed requirements for licensing, labelling, advertising, and food handling. The legislation mandates licensing for food businesses and import/export activities, and enforces traceability across the food supply chain. It also empowers the authorities to take necessary actions to prevent and control risks to public health from food-related hazards.
The Act includes provisions for the recall of unsafe or unsuitable food, and the management of animal feed and primary production activities. The legislation also deals with the regulation of novel foods and genetically modified foods, requiring pre-market approval for their supply. Furthermore, it establishes a system for the provision of non-packaged drinking water, ensuring its quality and safety.
In addition, the Act sets up strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment, and provides for civil and criminal liabilities. It grants broad investigative and enforcement powers to designated officers and includes provisions for appeals, transitional arrangements, and amendments to existing laws.