The new law will allow Singapore residents to bring in a wider variety of food items for personal consumption, while strengthening food safety measures.
A new law proposed in Singapore aims to give consumers greater flexibility in importing food for personal use. Under the Food Safety and Security Bill (FSSB), individuals will be allowed to bring in a total of 15kg of food, including meat, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and processed goods, for private consumption. This consolidation of food types into one import limit is a significant change from the current system, where import limits vary by food type.
Broader Range of Importable Meat
Currently, only certain countries are approved for importing meat products like beef, pork, and chicken into Singapore. For example, beef can only come from countries such as Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the new Bill will permit residents and visitors to bring in commonly consumed meat from a broader range of countries. Certain high-risk items, such as animal blood and game meat, will remain prohibited.
The proposed law also makes it illegal to sell food brought in for personal consumption, and food safety regulations will be more streamlined and enforceable.
Food Safety Measures and Penalties
In addition to granting consumers more flexibility, the Bill will introduce stronger penalties for food safety violations. Offenders who knowingly serve unsafe food could face up to $100,000 in fines. The Bill will also extend food safety legislation to cover food donation and distribution, ensuring that donated food meets safety standards.
This push for stricter penalties follows recent food safety incidents, including mass food poisoning cases in Singapore, which have highlighted gaps in the current system.
Ensuring Food Security and Sustainable Farming
The Bill will also focus on strengthening food security in light of global challenges such as import shocks and climate change. While the existing rice stockpile scheme will continue under the new law, other food items may also be added to a stockholding requirement if necessary. Farms will be required to implement management plans to reduce risks to food safety and ensure sustainable production.
In addition, fish farms will need to adopt proper waste management and disease control practices. The Bill aims to ensure the viability of long-term farming in Singapore while minimizing environmental impact.
