With effect from 1 January 2026, it is not mandatory for food handlers to wear masks or spit guards.
This applies to food handlers in all SFA-licensed retail food establishments, including restaurants, food shops, hawkers, food courts and coffeeshop. It also applies to non-retail food establishments which include food manufacturing and processing establishments.
Nonetheless, food businesses should continue to adopt good food safety practices to ensure food safety for all consumers. Food businesses that may want their food handlers to wear masks or spit guards as a good practice should ensure that the masks and spit guards are worn properly and kept clean.
This applies to food handlers in all SFA-licensed retail food establishments, including restaurants, food shops, hawkers, food courts and coffeeshop. It also applies to non-retail food establishments which include food manufacturing and processing establishments.
Nonetheless, food businesses should continue to adopt good food safety practices to ensure food safety for all consumers. Food businesses that may want their food handlers to wear masks or spit guards as a good practice should ensure that the masks and spit guards are worn properly and kept clean.
