Inspection of Catered Food Provided to Migrant Workers Living in Dormitories

94 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower based on the Ministry’s regular inspections of workers who are provided with catered food, whether the timings for workers’ (i) lunch and (ii) dinner breaks are within four hours from the time that the catered food was cooked at the caterer’s kitchen.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) conducts regular inspections on licensed dormitories to ensure that dormitory operators meet with regulatory requirements, including putting in place food safety measures, such as setting up proper food storage and collection points. Dormitory operators must ensure that food is also protected from contamination until it is collected by residents.

So far, we have not received specific complaints from workers about not being able to consume food within reasonable time of preparation. Workers with food-related issues should approach MOM’s Forward Assurance and Support Team (FAST) officers or report the issues via FWMOMCare mobile application. MOM will follow up with the relevant dormitory operator or employer to rectify the issues. In serious cases, MOM will take appropriate enforcement action. If there is an issue with food safety and hygiene, we will refer the matter to Singapore Food Agency.