We wish to clarify that environmental or food contact surface swabbing is carried out only during the investigation of food poisoning incidents linked to public eateries.

All food-shop and food -stall operators (whether in a food shop, food or hawker centre) are required to ensure their premises are kept clean at all times.

Similarly, all food handlers are required to maintain a high standard of food and personal hygiene.

National Environment Agency (NEA) officers conduct regular inspections of food shops and food stalls to ensure the premises are clean and proper food and personal hygiene is practised by the food handlers.

Operators and food handlers alike face fines and demerit points or may have their licences suspended or revoked, depending on the severity of the lapse in hygiene standards.

Members of the public who come across dirty food shops or witness food handlers who prepare food in an unhygienic manner may contact our 24-hour NEA Call Centre on 1800-2255 632 (1800 CALL NEA).

S. Satish Appoo
Director
Environmental Health Department
National Environment Agency