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Written Answer to PQ on SFA's guideline for catered food in dormitories

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1985 OF 2023 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 4 JULY 2023
QUESTION NO. 4696 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether catered food for migrant workers living in dormitories must meet the Singapore Food Agency (SFA)'s "Guidelines for Ordering Catered Meals for Functions and Events"; (b) if so, how does the Ministry work with the SFA to ensure migrant workers living in dormitories are provided with food in accordance with the guidelines; and (c) if not, what guidelines are applicable to catered food for migrant workers.

Answer:

Singapore Food Agency (SFA)’s “Guidelines on Ordering Catered Meals for Functions and Events” is a guiding document to encourage consumers to engage caterers licensed by SFA with good hygiene track records. SFA conducts inspections of licensed caterers to ensure that they meet the regulatory requirements prescribed by SFA. For instance, all catered food, including pre-packed meals, from licensed caterers are required to be delivered in insulated boxes and time-stamped to indicate the date and time by which the food should be consumed.

2. In line with SFA Guidelines, dormitory operators licensed under the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act (FEDA) must ensure that catered food is procured from licensed caterers and take reasonable measures to ensure that food delivered is protected from contamination until it is collected by the residents,such as setting up proper food storage and collection points. MOM conducts regular inspections on dormitories to ensure that they put in place food safety measures. Issues specific to licensed caterers will be referred to SFA for further investigation.

3. MOM will and has taken appropriate enforcement action against dormitory operator or employer for serious or recalcitrant cases. Dormitory residents with
food-related issues can approach MOM’s Forward Assurance and Support Team (FAST) officers or report the issues via the FWMOMCare mobile application.