Measures against Less Permanent Establishments in Light of Food Poisoning and Hygiene Cases at Food Premises

Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources in light of incidents of food poisoning and hygiene issues at food premises, whether there will be any added surveillance and action to be taken for less permanent establishments, such as pop-up food stalls, fun fair stalls selling food, night market food stalls and bazaar food stalls.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) maintains a strict regime to ensure food safety in temporary food stalls, for example, pop-up food stalls, fun fair stalls selling food, night market food stalls and bazaar food stalls.

First, proper washing facilities, storage with temperature control and covered display showcases for food items must be provided at temporary fair food stalls.

Second, NEA restricts extensive food preparation, such as degutting of fish and cutting of raw meat or vegetables in temporary stalls. The sale of high-risk food items, such as ready-to-eat raw seafood, is also restricted.

Third, food handlers working in such stalls must be registered with NEA and pass the mandatory Basic Food Hygiene Course. NEA will take firm enforcement action against anyone who violates the regulations. Offenders may face licence suspension and/or a maximum penalty of up to $10,000 for the first offence.

To uphold the food hygiene standards, NEA conducts unannounced inspections at the temporary food stalls. Where NEA assesses any potential risks, NEA will step up inspections as well as conduct joint operations with other agencies to curb illegal food handlers at the temporary food stalls.

NEA will continue to monitor the situation closely and step up inspections, if need be, to safeguard the environment and ensure public health.