NEA's reply:
This is a full version of NEA's reply issued to the media agency; published in The Straits Times, 19 Dec 2018.
We thank Mrs Lee Lay Heng for her suggestion to publish information on hygiene lapses on NEA’s website.
To help consumers to make informed dining choices, the National Environment Agency (NEA) currently provides information on individual food retail establishments’ hygiene track records, such as suspension history and accumulated demerit points via the existing Food Hygiene Information Portal. The portal can be accessed through the NEA website, myENV app or via the QR code found on the licence decal displayed at all licensed premises.
Currently, food retail establishments are graded either ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ or ‘D’ based on an annual snapshot assessment of the premises’ hygiene standards. In 2020, the Food Hygiene Recognition Scheme (FHRS) will replace the current grading system to recognise and affirm consistent efforts in upholding high hygiene standards. Under the new Scheme, food retail establishments with two, five or ten years or more of strong track record in food hygiene will attain either a Bronze, Silver and Gold award decal respectively, for display at the licensed premises.
Checks on food establishments have been stepped-up as the year-end festive season approaches. With the increase in volume of consumers dining out and ordering catered food, all food operators must ensure that the food sold is prepared hygienically and safe for consumption. We will not hesitate to take action against any operators for failing to maintain food safety. We encourage members of the public to support operators who observe good hygiene practices, and to report any potential hygiene lapses to NEA via the NEA website of MyENV app.
Ming Fai Chew (Mr)
Director, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
National Environment Agency