As consumers, we all expect our food to be safe. However, food can potentially become contaminated through improper practices from the time it is produced to the time it is consumed. The assurance of food safety requires the combined effort of the government, the food industry and the consumer.
The government is responsible for establishing a framework that promotes the delivery of safe food by the industry, and the provision of adequate information to consumers.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is the national authority for food safety in Singapore. To ensure that food sold in Singapore is safe, AVA sets stringent food safety standards that are consistent with international standards. It ensures that up-to-date food legislation is in place, and is properly enforced through inspection and testing programmes. AVA also educates consumers on food-borne hazards and how to keep food safe.
The food industry is responsible for the safety of the food it offers to the public. Food producers, manufacturers, importers and distributors in Singapore have to maintain high food safety standards by complying with AVA's stringent requirements.
Responsible food industry players adopt good agricultural and manufacturing practices, as well as food safety assurance programmes to ensure that their products are safe and wholesome. Besides educating their employees on food safety, they also educate consumers in the safe use of products, be they raw, semi-processed or ready-to-eat food.
Government authorities can exert regulatory control over the quality and safety of food produced or imported. However, such control is not possible when food is processed and prepared at home. As a consumer, you have direct control over the safety of the food you prepare for yourself and your family. You can begin by equipping yourself with knowledge of food safety risks and safe food practices to avoid these risks. By adopting safe food handling and preparation practices, you can protect both yourself and your family.
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