Singapore: bite-size market shows a taste for snacks - includes related information on Singapore food rules

AgExporter, Oct, 1994

Getting a Grip on Singapore's Food Rules

The import of food into Singapore is governed by The Sale of Food Act 1973, The Food Regulations 1988 and all subsequent amendments. The Food Control Department of the Ministry of the Environment enforces the legislation. There are no specific sections of the regulations governing the import of snack foods.

All imported foodstuffs have to be registered with the Food Control Department. Registration can be undertaken by sending or faxing to the Department a copy of the Inward Declaration that has been approved by the Singapore Trade Development Board. Registration covers a one-year period for that particular product.

The ingredients in imported snack products must be consistent with those specified in the Sale of Food Act 1973, The Food Regulations 1988 and all subsequent amendments.

All prepackaged food must bear a conspicuously placed label describing the product. Labeling must be in English and must include: the common name of the product; the brand name of the product; an ingredients listing; details of the nutritional value of the product; net weight of the product; country of origin; and the name and address of the local importer.

The Food Regulations 1988 also specify safety guidelines for food packaging materials and containers. Packaging must not be capable of imparting lead, antimony, arsenic, cadmium or any other toxic substances to the food inside.