Update on Reviewing Need for Mandatory Training and Certification for Home-based Food Business Owners

45 Mr Ng Shi Xuan asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry has completed its review of the need to make it mandatory for home-based food business owners to undergo training and certification under the Workforce Skills Qualification Food Safety Course; (b) if so, what is the outcome of its review and the next steps; and (c) if not, when is the review expected to be completed.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) takes a risk-based approach in regulating food businesses. As the food safety risks associated with home-based food businesses are currently low in view of their relatively small scale of operations, SFA does not require home-based food business owners to complete the Workforce Skills Qualification Food Safety Course Level 1. Nonetheless, they are encouraged to do so. SFA regularly reviews its food safety regime to ensure that the regulations are adequate and effective to manage food safety risks in the landscape.