Neighbourhood food shop vendors must comply with existing regulations

We refer to the letter by Luo Shuxun, “Difficult to determine whether neighbourhood vendors are operating legally (难辨别邻里摆摊者合法与否)” (5 Jan) and the letter by Wang Shufu, “Who regulates mobile street vendors in neighbourhoods? (流动邻里摆摊者由谁监管?)” (8 Jan).

The writers raised various concerns regarding the use of outdoor display areas (ODAs) by neighbourhood shops, such as the safety of items sold and the cluttering of walkways. The Housing & Development Board has issued guidelines on the management of ODAs to ensure public safety and tidiness of these common spaces, which are under the purview of the respective Town Councils as part of common property. Shop tenants/owners are required to seek prior approval from the local Town Council for the use of common area as ODA.

The writers asked if the display and sale of food products and health supplements at ODAs are allowed. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) takes a risk-based approach in ensuring the safety of food for sale. Only food shops that sell items which require on-site food preparation and handling, such as bakery products, cut fruits and juices, as well as raw meat and seafood which are food of higher regulatory concern must be licensed by SFA. These licensed food shops can use the immediate areas outside their premises to sell their food items, provided that the actual food preparation and food handling occur within their licensed indoor premises. Members of the public are encouraged to make a report through SFA’s online feedback form if they come across any food safety concerns.

Health products are regulated by HSA and members of the public are advised to purchase health products from reputable sources such as pharmacies or licensed retailers. Any suspicious health products, such as those which claim to cure, treat, or diagnose medical conditions or with exaggerated claims with miraculous results or “no side effects”, can be reported to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) via email (hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg) or at their hotline 6866-3485.

SCDF also requires shop owners to comply with fire safety guidelines for ODAs, which include maintaining a minimum clearance of 1.2 metres along sheltered walkways and adequate setback distances from exit staircases to allow safe evacuation in the event of a fire. There must also be a 1-metre-wide clear path between display racks to allow movement through ODAs safely and prevent bottlenecks that could impede evacuation during emergencies. Members of the public can inform the respective Town Councils to report any violations.

Dr. Ngin Hoon Tong
Senior Director
Authorisations Division
Singapore Food Agency