The Safety Assurance for Food Establishments (SAFE) framework is a grading framework for food establishments based on their food safety track records and the systems put in place to ensure food safety.
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Last Updated 27 Apr 2026
The SAFE framework encourages the food industry to uphold good food safety standards to retain and build consumer trust. Consumers can also make more informed dining choices by referring to SAFE grades and supporting food establishments that prioritise food safety.
The SAFE framework applies to SFA-licensed food establishments that process or prepare food for sale to the public. These food establishments are grouped into two categories.
Licensees can check their establishment category by scanning the QR code on their SFA licence to access their business trade description, then matching this description with the establishments listed in the tables below.
These include restaurants with kitchen size of 16m² or more, caterers, central kitchens and food manufacturing premises, whose establishments are involved in significant processing or preparation of food. More details are in the table below.
| Category 1 Food Establishments | |
|---|---|
| Restaurants & Catering Services |
|
| Food Manufacturing & Processing |
|
These include restaurants with kitchen size less than 16m², cold stores, takeaway outlets, supermarkets, and food stalls in coffee shops, canteens, food courts and hawker centres, whose establishments engage in low/moderate levels of food processing or preparation. More details are in the table below.
| Category 2 Food Establishments | |
|---|---|
| Retail Food Shops |
|
| Mobile Food Services |
|
| Food Stalls |
|
| Others |
|
SFA-licensed food establishments that are not directly involved in the processing or preparation of food are excluded from the SAFE framework. These include:
Fast-track* option is available for Category 1 food establishments to attain grade ‘A’ in shorter time. They must have a 1-year good food safety track record, appoint an Advanced Food Hygiene Officer (AFHO) and implement a certified FSMS. There is no fast-track option for Category 2 establishments.
SAFE grades will be updated based on food establishments’ food safety track records. For instance, if a food establishment commits a major lapse, it will be immediately downgraded to grade ‘C’, regardless of the present grade.
*Not applicable for food establishments with grade ‘C’ track record (i.e., committed major lapse)
| Grade | Category 1 Food Establishment | Category 2 Food Establishment |
|---|---|---|
| A | Good track record (i.e. no major lapse) for more than three years | |
Fast-track to grade 'A' if establishment has: | No fast-track option | |
| B | Good track record (i.e. no major lapse) of between one to three years | |
| New | In operation for less than one year | |
| C | Committed major lapse (e.g. court conviction or suspension of licence under the Points Demerit System) regardless of present grade | |
Grades will continue to be determined by the food establishment’s food safety track records. In addition, Category 1 food establishments who wish to maintain or attain grade ‘A’, would need to meet additional requirements as shown in the table below.
| Grade | Category 1 Food Establishment | Category 2 Food Establishment |
|---|---|---|
| A | Good track record (i.e. no major lapse) for more than three years | Good track record (i.e. no major lapse) for more than three years |
Can fast-track to grade 'A' if establishment has: | No fast-track option | |
| B | Good track record (i.e. no major lapse) for between one to three years | |
| New | In operation for less than one year | |
| C | Committed major lapse (e.g. court conviction or suspension of licence under the Points Demerit System) regardless of present grade | |
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For more information
You can contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form.
A non-certified FSMS refers to an organisation’s FSMS that is:
A certified FSMS refers to an organisation’s FSMS that is assessed and verified by a certification body, which is accredited by:
More information on the FSMS requirements and implementation are available at Understanding the Food Safety Management System.
A certified FSMS is required for Category 1 food establishments to fast-track to grade ‘A’, in addition to appointing an Advanced Food Hygiene Officer, and having a one-year good food safety track record.
