New Stat Board Singapore Food Agency To Be Formed In April 2019

Singapore Food Agency will be established in April 2019. The new stat board will consolidate all the food related functions from Health Sciences Authority (HSA), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA). AVA which is currently responsible for regulating food products in Singapore will cease operation. It is expected that new statutory board would better support the local food sector and help boost its efficiency.

Proposed amendment to the Food Regulation

Singapore AVA issued a draft amendment of the Food Regulation for public comments on the 6 September 2018. Some of the proposed amendment include

·         Addition of 1,3-propnanediol as permitted carrier solvent for flavoring agent for use under GMP

·         Inclusion of four new salts of the permitted amino acid Isoleucine, Leucine and Lysine.

·         Addition of 7 new enzymes such as Beta amylase in the permitted list of enzymes, for use under GMP

·         Addition of 10 new food additives into the list of permitted emulsifiers/stabilisers and general purpose food additives. such as sodium fumarate, tamarind seed gum

·         Addition of Paprika extract into list of permitted colouring matter.

·         Addition of Monk Fruit extract as permitted sweetening agent

·         Extension of the scope of use for the currently approved food additive, for example steviol glycosides will be allowed for use in 19 new food categories

·         Removal of copper as incidental constituent in food, except for use in edible fats and oils

·         Inclusion of maximum limit of inorganic arsenic in husked rice.

·         Extension of permitted health claims to permit oat beta glucan claims on blood cholesterol lowering effect.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is likely to update the regulatory requirements to align with the requirements set bythe Codex Alimentarius Commission and major developed countries such as Japan, the European Union, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

The details on the amendment can be found in the weblink below. Members of the public who wish to provide feedback on the proposed amendment may submit their comments to AVA via email latest by 5 November 2018.

https://www.ava.gov.sg/docs/default-source/legislation/sale-of-food-act/consultation-on-draft-food-(amendment)-regulations-2019.pdf