In a significant move towards bolstering food safety and security, Singapore has proposed the Food Safety and Security Bill (FSSB), introduced by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) on 12 November 2024. This new legislation aims to provide greater flexibility for personal food imports while tightening regulations for food safety compliance.
Changes to Personal Food Imports
Under the FSSB, each individual will be allowed to import a total of 15 kg of food, consolidating various categories such as meat, fruits, and processed goods. This marks a shift from existing rules that impose specific limits on different types of food. Key points include:
- 15 kg total food import limit, replacing the previous individual limits (e.g., 5 kg for meat).
- Meat can now be imported from a broader range of countries, expanding beyond the previous 13 approved sources.
- Higher regulatory concerns, such as animal blood and game meat, remain prohibited.
Tougher Penalties for Non-Compliance
To address food safety violations, the Bill proposes stiffer penalties for offenders. Significant increases in fines and jail terms aim to deter non-compliance:
- Repeat offenders face fines of up to S$50,000 (approximately US$37,600) and/or jail time up to two years.
- Corporate offenders could be fined up to S$100,000.
- Those with revoked licenses due to multiple lapses will be barred from obtaining new licenses for up to three years.
Broader Scope of Food Safety
The FSSB is designed to generalise food safety regulations beyond sales to include food donations and other distribution methods. This is in response to recent mass food poisoning incidents that have raised concerns about food safety procedures.
Addressing Food Security Challenges
Another emphasis of the Bill is ensuring food security, particularly amid global supply disruptions. A new Minimum Stockholding Requirement (MSR) will enforce rice importers to maintain a buffer stock equal to twice their monthly import rates. Though currently focused on rice, the framework indicates that other essential food items may be included in the future.
Singapore’s proactive approach in developing domestic farming is part of its long-term strategy to safeguard food security. Farms will need to submit detailed management plans to help reduce risks related to food safety, pest control, and environmental impact.
The Bill showcases the government’s commitment to enhancing public health through stricter dietary regulations and comprehensive food safety strategies. The public and industry stakeholders will continue to be consulted as the FSSB moves towards its second reading in January 2025.