Singapore - Mandatory time-stamping for all pre-packed meals

SINGAPORE: Caterers will have to time-stamp all buffet meals and packed meals from February 15. 

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the mandatory time-stamping is a safety measure aimed at keeping consumers better informed so that they can avoid consuming food that may no longer be fresh. 

Event organisers should also use the time-stamp to better plan the provision and serving of catered meals to participants. 

Time-stamping informs consumers of the recommended time limit for the consumption of cooked food which has been placed at temperatures between 5 degrees Celsius and 60 degrees Celsius. Such food should be consumed within four hours. 

NEA stressed that consuming food within the four-hour window does not guarantee that there will be no food poisoning incidents. 

Other risk factors come into play like undercooked food, failure to wash hands before food handling, contaminated food service equipment and post-delivery cross-contamination with raw foodstuff. 

As such, strict personal hygiene and meticulous handling of food is essential. 

NEA's director for Environmental Health, Mr Tai Ji Choong said the time-stamping requirement will enhance food safety and benefit both consumers and caterers. 

Caterers are required to display the time-stamp sign prominently. NEA said it will take action against those who do not time-stamp their food, or who falsify or provide misleading information. 

A set of educational materials on time-stamping is available on the NEA's website. 

NEA added that the public should obtain catered food only from licensed caterers. The list of licensed caterers can be found on the NEA website, or via NEA's iphone App, MyENV. 

- CNA/cc


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