Food Safety

is a Shared Responsibility

Food Safe

AVA is the national authority for food safety in Singapore. AVA

regulates the safety of both fresh produce and processed food , from
production or point of import to just before they enter the retail chain.
AVA has put in place an integrated food safety system to ensure
that food sold in Singapore is safe. Our food safety requirements
are stringent and consistent with international standards.
The system involves checking of food produced at source, inspection
of food , testing and analysis, and source tracing. It also includes
surveillance and monitoring for food threats. Together
In addition , AVA continuously scans the horizon for potential threats
to food safety and updates its systems to tackle such problems.
Let's Keep
~The role of the food industry and trade
Food
The food industry is also responsible for the safety of the food it
offers to consumers. Food manufacturers, importers and distributors
Safe!
in Singapore have to maintain a high standard of food safety by
complying with the stringent requirements of AVA.
Responsible food industry players raise public confidence in their
products by incorporating food safety assurance programmes and
hygienic practices in their operations.
AVA also works closely with the food industry and trade to advise

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them on food safety issues.
.

Government authorities can exert some control over the quality

and safety of food produced or imported through legislation and
enforcement. However, formal control is not possible at the
household level.
As a consumer, you have direct control over the safety of food
prepared for yourself and your household. You can do this by
equipping yourself with knowledge of food safety risks , and safe
food practices to avoid the risks.
By taking appropriate actions, you can play a part in protecting
your own well-being and the well-being of your family .
Ensure Food Safety while Shopping ~ Buying Meat & Poultry @ Buying dairy products
As consumers , you can play an active role in safeguarding When buying meat, make When buying dairy products:
your own health . Begin w ith proper planning before you shop. sure it does not appear stale Check the expiry dates.
Buy your food from established shops and supermarkets and or have off-odours.
purchase only what you can consume within the next few days. Select only those with packages that are intact.
Careful selection of food can go a long way in protecting your Buy on ly meat or poultry
Do not buy dairy products that have been stored or displayed
own health and that of your loved ones. that has been stored at the
beyond the load line. The load line indicates the level up to
right refrige rated conditions .
~
which food may be stored and kept at the correct temperature.
Do not buy chilled or frozen
Buying Canned & Packaged Food
meat or poultry that is displayed Buy only the required amount of dairy products that you can
Examine canned and packaged food carefully before you buy for retail at room temperature. consume . Dairy products have limited shelf life and should
them . Do not buy food with cans that are rusty, dented or swollen. be consumed within the suggested "Use By" date.
Ensure that there is no
They might have quality defects and could also cause food
excessive moisture on the
poison ing. Only buy dairy products that are properly displayed in the
surface of meat or poultry.
chillers. Chillers should be maintained at below 4°C.
Do not buy food with damaged or torn packag ing as they may
contain harmful micro-organisms that could cause food poisoning. Go home straightaway after buying meat so
that it will not be left unrefrigerated fo r too long. @ Be Considerate to Others
Do not buy mouldy dried food. They may contain harmful
mycotoxins. @ Buying Seafood Do not take chilled or frozen raw
food from freezers or chillers and
leave them lying on shelves
Do not buy bottled goods with broken When buying seafood, make sure that it is properly refrigerated or elsewhere within the supermarket.
seals . Their contents may have iced. This compromises the safety and
been exposed to food poisoning quality of the food .
When buying fish, choose fish that has
bacteria.
A bright, shiny appearance with scales that are intact. If you wish to put back a chilled
~ Buying Eggs Bright, clear and full eyes. Eyes become red and cloudy when
or frozen item, ensure that it
is placed below the load line
• Fresh eggs must be hand led the fish loses freshness .
in the freezers or chillers.
carefully to minimise cross-
Bright red to liver red gills that are free fro m slime.
contamination as eggs with Select the item you wish to
clean shells may occasionally Avoid fish which has purchase before opening the door
contain bacteria called of display refrigerators.
Salmonella that can cause ~ A strong ammonia-like smell.
intestinal infection. Darkening around the edges with brown or yellowish discoloration, Do not pierce fruit with your fingernails to test for freshness .
especially if these areas appear dry or mushy. This makes it possible for bacteria to enter the fruit.
• Do not buy eggs that are cracked.
Bacteria can enter eggs
through the cracks in their shells.
Some tips for buying seafood ~ After Shopping
Fresh prawns are firm, have a mild odou r and their shells are Plan to return home directly after your shopping.
01:'\
Buying Fruits & not sl ippery. There should not be any black spots or
discolouration on the shells.
~ Vegetables ·Do not store chilled and frozen food directly in the boot of the
car as the heat may cause the food to go bad.
Live crabs and lobsters should exhibit leg movements. The tail
Do not buy fruits and vegetables that
of live lobsters should curl under the body when you pick them up.
are bruised , blemished , shrivelled or mouldy. You may want to bring insulated containers complete with ice
The shells of live clams, oysters, or mussels should close tightly or ice packs for the storage of chilled, frozen and other
Fruits and vegetables are perishables. Buy only what you can when tapped . Do not buy shellfish with gaping shells as this perishable food when you go shopping .
eat within a few days. shows that they are dead .