Number of "Virtual" Restaurants Operating by Food Apps in Singapore
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the regulation and hygiene standards of "virtual" restaurants as raised by Ms Rahayu Mahzam. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that 61 such businesses were licensed as of 31 January 2020 and must comply with the same safety standards and training as physical establishments. He noted that since 2017, only one offence involving an unregistered handler has occurred. The Ministry enforces food safety through inspections, certifications, and mandatory staff re-training for any establishments facing suspension.
Transcript
8 Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) what is the current number of "virtual" restaurants that operate by food apps in Singapore; (b) whether there have been any hygiene lapses in these shared food preparation premises; and (c) what additional measures is the Ministry taking on "virtual" restaurants to safeguard public health and prevent food poisoning.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: "Virtual" food businesses, also known as "cloud kitchens", are food establishments that do not have a physical store front but sell food directly to consumers through online food delivery platforms. They are licensed by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) under the Environmental Public Health Act. There were 61 of such food businesses as of 31 January 2020.
Just like any other food establishment, "virtual" food businesses must comply with SFA's food safety requirements and standards, and ensure that the food they prepare is safe to eat. For instance, their food handlers and food hygiene officers must all be trained and certified under the Basic Food Hygiene Course and the Workforce Skills Qualifications' "Conduct Food & Beverages Hygiene Audit" programme respectively.
These "virtual" food businesses are also subjected to inspection and enforcement actions by SFA just like other food establishments. Since "virtual" food businesses started being licensed in 2017, there has been one food hygiene and safety offence committed which involved an unregistered food handler. Should a "virtual" food business be suspended due to food hygiene and safety lapses, its food handlers and food hygiene officers must undergo re-training and re-certification as per any other food establishment.
Food safety is a joint responsibility across the industry, consumers and the Government. All food establishments must play their part to upkeep high standards of food safety as well as environmental and personal hygiene at all times.