SINGAPORE \u2013 From Jan 1, food handlers will no longer need to wear masks or spit guards, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said. <\/p>\n
The <\/p>\n original requirement was put in place from <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n April 2020<\/p>\n <\/a>, during the Covid-19 pandemic, to prevent any substance expelled from the mouth or nose from contaminating food. <\/p>\n The rule applies to all personnel engaged in the sale and preparation of food and drinks at all food establishments. <\/p>\n But in a statement on Dec 4, SFA said food contamination is mainly due to inadequate sanitation, poor handling and temperature management, and contact between raw and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. <\/p>\n The agency added that it has assessed that there is a low risk to food safety when handlers do not wear such gear. <\/p>\n Nevertheless, it said food establishments should continue adopting good food safety practices. These include proper food handling, time and temperature control, thorough cleaning and good housekeeping practices. <\/p>\n There were several high-profile food poisoning cases in Singapore in 2025. <\/p>\n In February, <\/p>\n 187 cases of gastroenteritis<\/p>\n <\/a>, more commonly known as stomach flu or food poisoning, were reported following the consumption of RTE meals distributed during a Total Defence Day exercise. <\/p>\n Investigations showed no food-borne pathogens and no food safety lapses in the ready-to-eat meals distributed during a Total Defence Day exercise in February.<\/p>\n PHOTO: ST FILE<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The authorities said <\/p>\n no conclusive evidence<\/p>\n <\/a> linking the 187 cases of gastroenteritis to the consumption of the RTE meals was found. <\/p>\n More recently, on Nov 21, <\/p>\n 173 pupils and 12 employees<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n from<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>