Together, Let's Keep Food Safe!

“Food manufacturers like yourselves, and consumers, are important partners in our mission to have safe and wholesome food for consumption,” said Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan, at the annual Food Safety Awards Night.  Held on 31st July 2009 at the Orchard Hotel Singapore, the Food Safety Awards Night reminded consumers about the importance of food safety, and honoured food industry players that augmented the food safety programme.

Awards and certificates were presented to food manufacturers and importers who have consistently maintained high standards of food safety.  AVA’s Food Safety Partners – food manufacturers, importers and supermarket operators – were also lauded for their commitment to the food safety public education.  On top of that, the stellar evening also served to conclude the AVA’s Food Safety month.

Packed with many activities, the Food Safety Month in July reminded consumers their role in the safe manufacture and preparation of food.  This year’s theme “Together, Let’s Keep Food Safe” encapsulates the importance of food safety as a shared responsibility, especially since all of us are part of the food chain.  Efforts from all parties are required – the Government, the food industry and consumers alike.

To drive home the message on food safety to all consumers, Oscar, AVA’s Food Safety mascot, will continue to make appearances at supermarkets islandwide to distribute food safety pamphlets and balloons. He will also conduct quizzes and games at the locations to engage consumers. Other events include school talks, food safety exhibitions and quizzes at the libraries.

So if you do see Oscar at your next grocery-shopping trip, do drop by to pick up some food safety tips!

Oscar Tours


Date Day Supermarket Location
8-Aug-09 Sat Shop N Save Green Ridge
8-Aug-09 Sat NTUC Fairprice Rivervale Mall
8-Aug-09 Sat NTUC Fairprice Bukit Panjang
8-Aug-09 Sat Cold Storage Compass Point
9-Aug-09 Sun NTUC Fairprice Ang Mo Kio HUB
9-Aug-09 Sun Cold Storage Causeway Point
9-Aug-09 Sun Carrefour Plaza Singapura
9-Aug-09 Sun Carrefour Suntec
15-Aug-09 Sat NTUC Fairprice Sun Plaza
15-Aug-09 Sat Shop N Save Woodlands North Plaza
15-Aug-09 Sat Shop N Save West Mall
15-Aug-09 Sat Giant Hypermarket Choa Chu Kang
16-Aug-09 Sun NTUC Fairprice Hougang Point
16-Aug-09 Sun Shop N Save Serangoon Central
16-Aug-09 Sun NTUC Fairprice Eastpoint
16-Aug-09 Sun Cold Storage Parkway Parade
22-Aug-09 Sat Shop N Save Bedok Central
22-Aug-09 Sat Giant Hypermarket Parkway Parade
22-Aug-09 Sat Shop N Save Woodlands Mart
22-Aug-09 Sat Giant Hypermarket Sembawang
23-Aug-09 Sun Shop N Save Yishun Block 102
23-Aug-09 Sun NTUC Fairprice Thomson Plaza
23-Aug-09 Sun Cold Storage United Square
23-Aug-09 Sun Cold Storage Centrepoint

Strategies to Secure our Food Supply

Speaking at the AVA Food Safety Awards Night on Friday, 31 July 2009, Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan also addressed the longer-term strategies to enhance Singapore’s food supply resilience, unveiling recommendations from an Inter-agency Committee tasked to look into the issue.  A key strategy was to continue strengthening food source diversification, and to go beyond simply scouting for more sources to “creating” more sources.

As a supplementary measure, the Government will also encourage local companies to explore contract farming in overseas food zones, with support from a new Food Diversification Fund.  Closer to home, more land will be set aside for growing key food items such as eggs and vegetables, as local farming can serve as a useful national strategic stockpile.  The committee also recommended the need to maintain links with non-traditional food sources, and to improve business continuity plans among members of the food industry in Singapore.