More than 2,000 enforcement actions taken against errant food operators

SINGAPORE — The authorities have taken 2,182 enforcement actions — such as imposing fines and suspensions — against errant food operators who flouted hygiene regulations as of Dec 12, after inspecting over 167,600 food premises.

So far this year, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has suspended 58 licences, the authority said in an advisory issued today (Dec 23) to remind the public to practise good food and personal hygiene during the festive season. 

It also advised the public against buying food from illegal hawkers, noting that illegally sold items may not have been prepared in accordance with proper hygiene procedures or undergone quality control checks. 

Between January and November, the NEA received 1,300 instances of feedback on illegal hawkers selling curry puffs, compared to over 900 instances of feedback for the whole of last year. Between January and November 2014, NEA has taken enforcement action against about 350 illegal hawkers selling curry puffs, compared to about 300 in 2013.

Those found hawking illegally may have their goods and items seized, and may be fined S$300, S$400 and S$500 for the first, second and third offences, respectively. If they still commit the same offence after the third time, they will be prosecuted in court.

Hawkers found guilty of hygiene lapses may be fined up to S$2,000, and may have their licences revoked. 

The public can submit their feedback on food establishments with poor hygiene practices via the 24-hour NEA Call Centre at 1800-CALL NEA (1800 – 2255632).