The Guide to Singapore’s Food Safety Certification: Everything You Need to Know

All individuals handling food and beverages in Singapore’s Food Services sector are required to be certified in food safety under a framework enforced by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

To safeguard public health and consumer confidence in the F&B industry, this regulation is enforced under Section 103 of the Food Safety and Security Act 2025, which details offences related to the deployment of untrained food workers.

Who is a Food Handler?

“Food Handler,” a term that SFA defines as any individual involved in the preparation and handling of food in a food establishment licensed by the agency. This scope covers chefs, kitchen assistants, food stall operators, workers in food manufacturing companies, and service staff who prepare drinks or handle food.

However, individuals who are not directly engaged in food manufacturing and preparation are not considered food handlers. Examples include restaurant managers, operations managers, factory managers, and quality assurance or control managers.

The SFA stipulates that only trained food handlers are allowed to handle food. Licensees must not let anyone who is untrained, such as a cashier who is not qualified as a food handler, assist with any food manufacturing or preparation tasks.

Food Safety Course (Level 1)

Food handlers from both retail and non-retail food businesses are required to pass the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1. This course was previously known as the WSQ Follow Food & Beverage Safety and Hygiene Policies and Procedures, or the Basic Food Hygiene Course.

In consultation with the Ministry of Health (MOH), the SFA no longer requires food handlers to undergo mandatory typhoid vaccination and tuberculosis screening.

SFA-licensed establishments are required to register their food handlers with the agency. Licensees must complete this registration before or when applying for a licence to operate their food business.

Upon a food handler completing the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will share the relevant data with SFA within two weeks. Following this, businesses or individuals can proceed to the SFA’s Food Handler Digital Data Hub (FHD2Hub) to register.

Food handlers who have attained this certification are permitted to engage in food handling activities for up to five years. After this period, they are required to attend a refresher training to continue with their work. A new certification from a refresher course is valid for 10 years.

For instance, if Sam attends the Food Safety Course (Level 1) in 2020, he will be required to participate in a refresher course in 2025. If he has attended the Food Safety Course (Level 1) (Refresher) in 2025, he will need to re-attend the course again in 2035 and in 2045.

Food Safety Course (Level 2)

For employees in supervisory roles, the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 2 is available. It is open to anyone interested in food safety but is particularly aimed at supervisors, providing them with the knowledge to apply food safety principles more comprehensively.

The course covers topics beyond those in Level 1, including how to conduct food safety checks and procedures for receiving, storing, and handling goods.

The Role of A Food Hygiene Officer

A key figure in an establishment’s food safety is the Food Hygiene Officer (FHO). FHOs are supervisory personnel who oversee and implement effective food hygiene measures. They assist the licensee by establishing, monitoring, and maintaining proper food safety systems, conducting regular checks, and educating food handlers on good hygiene practices.

Between SFA inspections, FHOs act as internal food safety checkers to rectify irregularities. Their duties include implementing systems and checks on hygiene, educating staff, and taking prompt corrective action on any identified lapses.

The SFA states that by monitoring and ensuring food safety standards, FHOs help licensees reduce the risk of foodborne incidents, which can prevent significant financial and reputational losses.

To qualify as an FHO, an individual must be a supervisory personnel, such as a sous chef, restaurant manager, or operations manager.

Food Safety Course (Level 3)

All FHOs are required to pass the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 3. This certification will be required for FHOs in establishments such as food caterers, canteens, food courts, and restaurants housed in two or more adjacent units or with a kitchen area exceeding 16 square metres.

The course equips FHOs with the skills to conduct checks on cleanliness and hygiene, and provides knowledge on Pre-Requisite Programmes and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. This course replaces the former WSQ Conduct Food & Beverage Hygiene Audit course. FHOs must be trained and certified only at SSG-approved training providers.

While the Level 3 certification is a one-time requirement for the FHO role, a FHO who also handles food must still attend the Level 1 or 2 refresher course every five to 10 years.

Food Safety Course (Level 4)

The highest level of the food safety certification is the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 4, which qualifies an individual to be an Advanced Food Hygiene Officer (Advanced FHO).

Advanced FHOs are supervisory personnel who establish and oversee an establishment’s food safety standards by developing, implementing, and managing a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). They also conduct internal audits of the FSMS and address non-compliance with SFA regulations.

According to the SFA, individuals with this certification are qualified to help companies develop, implement, and audit their FSMS. The course trains participants to apply HACCP principles for developing the system and managing internal audits.

For food businesses applying for a catering licence, a key step in the process is appointing an Advanced FHO with this Level 4 certification and having them complete the implementation of the FSMS. Training and certification are provided by training providers approved by SSG.

The SFA has confirmed that holders of the former WSQ Apply Food Safety Management Systems for Food Service Establishments Course will continue to be recognised as trained Advanced FHOs.

Adept Academy is an approved training provider by the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to conduct and offer the Food Safety Course Level 1, Food Safety Course Level 1 (Refresher) and Food Safety Course Level 2. This course is both available in English and Mandarin.

Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided for general informational purposes only. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. No representations or warranties, express or implied, are made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. The authors expressly disclaim any and all liability arising from, or in connection with, any errors or omissions. Recipients are advised to seek independent legal counsel for advice pertaining to their individual circumstances.