Singapore dissolves AVA; new food agency takes over

Food businesses will now have to work with the Singapore Food Agency.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will be established under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) as the integrated regulatory agency for food related matters, including strengthening partnerships with businesses, an announcement revealed. The agency will start operating on 1 April 2019.

SFA’s functions was used to carried out by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), the National Environment Agency (NEA), and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). The new agency is set to take control of all food-related matters to facilitate food safety.

“The SFA will work closely with industry and R&D partners to develop new solutions and products, and seize global opportunities in the food industry, “ minister for the environment and water resources Masagos Zulkifli explained. “These could include climate-resilient farming solutions, advanced food manufacturing techniques, and food products with the Singapore quality assurance.”

Following SFA’s establishment, AVA will be dissolved with its function to be absorbed by the National Parks Board (NParks). AVA CEO Lim Kok Thai is set to head the SFA as its CEO.

In the interim, AVA, NEA, HSA and NParks will continue to carry out their existing functions.

“The agencies will continue to consult and engage stakeholders and industry partners,” the announcement noted. “As part of the re-organisation, they will also revisit and fine-tune regulations and processes.”