Food & agriculture — Topics

6 Jul 2021

Impact of Recent Outbreaks at Hawker Centres on Infrastructure Enhancement of These Centres

The Senior Minister of State announced the Hawker Centres Transformation Programme (HTP) to improve infrastructure with better spacing, ventilation, and food waste recycling, to be implemented in new and redeveloped centres and trialled in some existing ones.
Existing programmes like the Toilet Improvement Programme (TIP) and Productive Hawker Centres (PHC) are being used to fund better facilities, automated tray returns, and centralised dishwashing to enhance cleanliness and hygiene.
NEA is expanding tray return infrastructure and launching a Clean Tables Campaign, with mandatory tray clearing enforced from September 1, to encourage shared responsibility for hygiene.
The government is urging patrons to maintain personal hygiene and adhere to Safe Management Measures, such as checking in and wearing masks, to protect against public health threats.
Stakeholder engagement and pilot trials will be used to refine the HTP, ensuring solutions effectively reduce crowding and improve conditions in existing centres.

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6 Jul 2021

Additional Financial Aid for Hawkers Affected due to their Proximity to COVID-19 Clusters

The government has provided substantial financial support to hawkers during the pandemic, including seven months of rental waivers, five months of cleaning subsidies, and frozen rental increases from April 2020 to March 2021, with case-by-case reviews for those facing difficulties.
Rental adjustments for hawkers are based on independent valuations, with most recent renewals resulting in decreases or no change, and the government has committed to providing rental waivers specifically for hawkers affected by COVID-19 cluster closures.
Efforts to restore public confidence and attract crowds back to affected hawker centres involve deep cleaning, hygiene assurances, and community engagement through grassroots and hawker associations to support reopening.

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5 Jul 2021

Update on Percentage of Hawkers Aged 60 Years and Above Who Registered for Hawkers Go Digital Programme since Its Launch

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5 Jul 2021

Diversification of Supply of Vegetables into Singapore to Mitigate against Price Increases and Measures to Deter Illegal Imports

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5 Jul 2021

Guidelines in Place on Appropriate Number and Proper Siting of Tray Return Stations at Hawker Centres and Food Courts

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11 May 2021

New Rules on Import of Japanese Food Products in Light of Japanese Government's Plans to Release Contaminated Water from Fukushima Nuclear Accident into Ocean

Leong Mun Wai asked whether Singapore will impose new import rules on Japanese food products due to Japan's plan to release contaminated Fukushima water into the ocean.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that the Singapore Food Agency uses a science-based risk assessment approach aligned with international standards to ensure food safety.
All food imports from Japan must comply with SFA’s safety requirements, and non-compliant products will be rejected and returned.
SFA will continue monitoring Japanese food imports, conduct assessments, and take guidance from international agencies like the IAEA.
Singapore encourages Japan to work closely with the IAEA and adopt a transparent approach by sharing detailed plans and data.

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11 May 2021

Clarification by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment

Minister Grace Fu corrected the number of gastroenteritis outbreaks associated with preschools from 14 to 13 based on joint investigations by the Singapore Food Agency and MOH.
The correction followed an earlier parliamentary reply and was made to ensure accuracy in the official record.
The update was acknowledged by the Speaker, and the debate concluded without further discussion.

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11 May 2021

Keeping Grocery Prices Affordable for Singaporeans Given Rising Prices in Global Commodity Markets

The Minister explained that rising global food prices are due to strong demand, tight supply from adverse weather, and export restrictions, which impact Singapore as an open economy that imports most of its food.
The government has diversified food import sources from over 170 countries and maintained supply resilience during crises like COVID-19, helping keep prices competitive.
To support affordability, the government works with cooperatives like NTUC FairPrice on programs such as price freezes on essential house-brand items, and provides targeted financial assistance to low-income households through ComCare schemes.
The government remains committed to protecting essential food supplies and stabilizing prices but acknowledges ongoing volatility from global uncertainties like transportation delays and shipping shortages.

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10 May 2021

Plans for Permitting Urban Farms on Top Floor of HDB's Multi-storey Carparks across Singapore

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about HDB's plans to permit urban farms on top floors of multi-storey carparks, specifically seeking rollout plans and whether estates like Sengkang can voluntarily join.
Desmond Lee responded that SFA and HDB have tendered 16 multi-storey carpark sites for commercial urban farming across two tenders, with the second tender closing in March 2021.
He explained that site selection considers factors like carpark usage, rooftop load capacity, utility availability, and surrounding development plans to ensure safety and minimal disruption to parking needs.
Future plans will depend on evaluating the first two tenders and assessing industry interest before expanding the initiative.

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10 May 2021

Current Average Size of Hawker Stalls and Plans for Building Larger Stall Units

Melvin Yong asked about the average size of hawker stalls, the possibility of hawkers taking over adjoining vacant stalls for more space, and plans for larger stalls.
Grace Fu replied that older hawker centres built before 1985 have stalls ranging from 5 to 13 square metres, while newer centres since 2011 have a minimum stall size of 10 square metres for a better working environment.
The Ministry will continue using the larger stall size norms for future centres and redeveloped ones, and hawkers can already rent up to two adjacent stalls and apply to remove the dividing wall for more space, which many have done successfully.

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10 May 2021

Checks on F&B Outlets to Prevent Hygiene Lapses

Ms Joan Pereira asked how the Ministry is increasing checks on food and beverage outlets and catering companies to prevent hygiene lapses, and how it supports them in making improvements despite COVID-19 manpower constraints.
The Ministry, through SFA, licenses food establishments, conducts regular inspections with more focus on higher-risk outlets, and investigates public feedback, while also educating licensees on corrective actions.
From March 2020 to February 2021, SFA performed over 63,000 inspections and maintained stable enforcement actions, with the potential to increase efforts as needed.
Food safety is a shared responsibility: operators must ensure staff complete Food Safety Course Level 1, and consumers must uphold hygiene standards, especially during the pandemic.
Although COVID-19 is not food-borne, SFA has issued advisories and engaged establishments on safe distancing and cleanliness to reduce community transmission and support continued operations.

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10 May 2021

Effectiveness of Incubation Stall Programme in Building Up Hawker Numbers and Culture in Singapore

Since its launch in 2018, 34 aspiring hawkers have enrolled in the Incubation Stall Programme (ISP), with 16 completing it and eight becoming full-fledged hawkers, while 10 are ongoing and eight did not complete.
The ISP provides subsidised rentals and has been enhanced based on feedback, including extended rental discounts to help hawkers build clientele and stabilise operations.
Success in the hawker trade depends on culinary and business skills, with ISP participants required to pass a food tasting and develop a feasible business plan.
Additional support, such as the Hawkers’ Development Programme, offers apprenticeships with veteran hawkers and mentorship to further aid aspiring hawkers.
Lessons from failed ventures and programme refinements aim to better support hawker sustainability and culture in Singapore.

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10 May 2021

Hawkers who have Benefited from Hawkers' Productivity Grant

Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the number of hawkers who have benefited from the Hawkers’ Productivity Grant since its inception.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the grant was launched in October 2017 to co-fund kitchen automation equipment for cooked food stallholders, and was expanded in 2020 to include market stalls and service innovation equipment.
Under the grant, qualifying stallholders can claim 80% of equipment costs up to S$5,000 per equipment, and can submit multiple claims.
Since inception, the National Environment Agency has approved 1,072 applications under the grant, benefiting 651 hawkers.

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10 May 2021

Effectiveness of Hawkers Succession Scheme

Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment about the effectiveness report of the Hawkers Succession Scheme and its collaboration with hawker community stakeholders, and also inquired about the nominal stipend for veteran hawkers and extending eligibility to those with less than 15 years of experience.
The Minister, Grace Fu Hai Yien, explained that the scheme aims to sustain hawker heritage through apprenticeship and mentorship, with consultations already held with hawkers, associations, food advocates, and culinary experts, and an independent advisory panel will be formed to guide the process.
The pilot scheme will initially consider veteran hawkers with at least 15 years of experience but is open to exceptions, and NEA is finalising stipend details and plans to launch the pilot later this year with a two-year evaluation to be shared upon completion.
The Ministry highlighted that aspiring hawkers can already join the Hawkers’ Development Programme for training and mentorship, while the new scheme specifically focuses on pairing retiring veterans with successors.

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5 Apr 2021

Mandating Standardised Design for Recycled Takeaway Utensil, Cutlery and Packaging to Reduce Single-use Plastic at Hawker Centres

Christopher de Souza proposed mandating a standardised design for recycled takeaway utensils, cutlery, and packaging to reduce single-use plastic at hawker centres.
Grace Fu Hai Yien opposed the mandate, citing practical challenges and the inadvisability of recycling contaminated utensils and containers.
The debate highlights the tension between environmental goals and practical implementation issues in Singapore's hawker centres.

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5 Apr 2021

Impact of Recent Egg Recalls on Supply and Prices

The recent egg recalls from two Malaysian farms had minimal impact on Singapore's egg supply, as these farms accounted for only 5% of imports and importers shifted to other accredited sources.
There is no evidence of price increases or profiteering, with average retail egg prices remaining stable over the past month.
The Singapore Food Agency is collaborating with Malaysian authorities on investigations and will only lift suspensions after ensuring the affected farms implement satisfactory safety measures.
The incident highlights the importance of food supply diversification, with eggs sourced locally and from multiple countries like Thailand, Ukraine, and Poland, while SFA continues to accredit farms with strong biosecurity practices.

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8 Mar 2021

Increase Emphasis on Civic-mindness in Current Self-return Concept for Trays, Utensil and Cutlery in Hawker Centers

Christopher de Souza asked the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment to increase emphasis on civic-mindedness in the self-return system for trays and utensils in hawker centres.
Grace Fu Hai Yien outlined ongoing efforts since the 2000s, including the Tray Return Programme launched in July 2020 and the Clean Tables Campaign in February 2021, to promote tray return through behavioural nudges, infrastructure improvements, and publicity.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for tray return to prevent health hazards from food remnants and protect cleaners, whose average age is around 60.
The campaign includes refreshed posters, banners, and audio announcements, with more tray return racks being installed and community outreach through volunteers and educational institutions.
The minister encouraged everyone to participate in keeping hawker centres clean and safe as community dining spaces.

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8 Mar 2021

Centralised Cleaning Facilities at Each Hawker Center to Increase Hygiene Standards and Reduce Fire Hazards.

The government is rolling out centralised dishwashing facilities across hawker centres to enhance hygiene and productivity, with new centres included and existing ones progressively upgraded under the Productive Hawker Centres programme.
This initiative provides financial support to stallholders to ease the transition, but it does not significantly reduce fire hazards as most fires stem from unattended cooking rather than dishwashing operations.
Implementation faces challenges such as space constraints and stallholder receptiveness, so the National Environment Agency prioritises centres with available space, high business volume, and supportive stakeholders.

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1 Mar 2021

Promoting Demand for Locally Grown Produce

The Ministry is promoting local produce through campaigns like Singapore Food Story, the SG Fresh Produce logo, and partnerships with retailers and e-commerce platforms to boost consumer support and market access.
Initiatives such as the upcoming "Clean and Green" certification and Citizens' Workgroup recommendations aim to enhance sustainability, with plans for pilots targeting specific customer groups like new mothers.
The Lim Chu Kang masterplanning will integrate waste management and recycling services to address environmental concerns, while export support for local farms is encouraged to improve competitiveness without compromising the "30 by 30" food security goal.

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25 Feb 2021

Multi-storey Carparks in Fernvale for Urban Farming by Residents

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the Ministry would consider allowing some multi-storey car parks in Fernvale to be used for urban farming by residents.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that rooftop urban farms on HDB Multi-Storey Carparks support the “30 by 30” goal and that commercial tenders have been awarded, with a second tender launched.
She noted that site selection considers factors like MSCP utilisation, structural safety, infrastructure, and surrounding developments to ensure resident needs are not compromised.
For recreational farming, residents can engage in home gardening, rent allotment plots, or join community gardens, with NParks working to expand such initiatives.
Agencies will assess Fernvale MSCPs among other sites for future urban farming opportunities.

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