Maintaining Detailed Product Traceability Information to Ensure Food Recall Notices Reach Small Retailers and Broader Public

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry requires importers to maintain product traceability systems capable of identifying product distribution down to specific retail outlets during recalls; and (b) how does the Government ensure that recall notices will reach small retailers as well as the broader public.

During a food recall, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issues a direction to implicated businesses to remove affected products from all points of distribution. They are then required to inform SFA upon compliance. SFA checks the consolidated recalled products at businesses' premises after completion to verify compliance with the direction. Failure to comply with a direction constitutes an offence and may result in prosecution in Court. SFA also publishes press releases to notify the public of recalled products and monitors feedback from the public for follow-up enforcement actions, if needed.

To strengthen the food recall process, importers and licensed food businesses involved in key nodes of distribution are required to keep records for traceability and recalls under the Food Safety and Security Act by 2028. SFA does not prescribe the product traceability system to be used by businesses. They have the flexibility to adopt any system that allows them to make swift and precise recalls.