Regulatory Limits for Food Additives

Regulatory Limits for Food Additives | Singapore Government Singapore Food Agency

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Step 1: Get a list of additives used in your products

Start by checking the food labels on the packaging. Each additive is often listed by its specific name or INS/E-number.

Food manufacturers must be aware of all the ingredients, including additives, that are used in the products that they manufacture.

You should also reach out to the supplier to obtain more detailed information about the additives used in the products.

Step 2: Check if the additives are permitted

Use the Food Additives Search tool. Simply type in the name of the additive to see if it is permitted under SFA's Food Regulations.

Alternatively, you can download the Food Additives Permitted under the Singapore Food Regulations.

Always check your additives against the list before importing or selling the food product, to ensure that the additives used in the food product is permitted.

If your food product contains an additive that is not permitted, do not import or sell it. However, you can submit an application to SFA to evaluate the use of the additive in the product that you intend to import or sell. Detailed instructions can be found in the Guidance Information on Requirement for Food Additives.

Use of additives in Kuehs

Class II chemical preservatives, such as sorbic acid and benzoic acid, should not be directly added when manufacturing the kueh.

Class II chemical preservatives can only be directly added, within the prescribed regulatory limits, to fillings and toppings in kuehs. For example, you can directly add Class II chemical preservatives to the filling of ang ku kueh or kueh dadar within the regulatory limits.

For details on the use of preservatives in kueh, download these slides:

Step 3: Use the calculation tool provided (if necessary)

If two or more Class II chemical preservatives are to be used in the food (e.g. sorbic acid or benzoic acid), use the Calculation Tool for Class II Chemical Preservatives to calculate the permitted levels that should be used.

Step 4: Ensure you comply with the labelling requirements (applies only to prepacked foods for sale in Singapore)

All ingredients and additives used in food products must be declared in list of ingredients on food labels. Your food or food product must also comply with the labelling requirements.

Regulatory Limits for Food Additives

What are food additives?

Singapore Food Agency

What are the food additives allowed for use in food?

What are the limits on food additives?

Who must comply with the limits on food additives?

How do I comply with the limits?

Where can I get a copy of the regulatory limits?

Last Updated 27 April 2026