Revision of Microbiological Standards for Non-Ready-to-Eat Foods w.e.f 4 March 2024

[Posted on 21 February 2024]

Dear Sellers,

SFA has updated the Food Regulations to revise the microbiological standards for non-ready-to-eat (non-RTE) food, which are scheduled for gazetting on March 4, 2024. 

The following is the summary of the amendments that will be made: 

1. The Eleventh Schedule specifies microbiological standards for various pathogens in different categories of non-ready to eat food, such as beef products (non-intact), blood-cockles, oysters, meat and meat products, and pasteurized poultry shell eggs and other egg products.

2. The standards include limits for pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Listeria monocytogenes.

These amendments aim to enhance food safety and ensure compliance with microbiological standards for both ready-to-eat and non-ready-to-eat foods. It is important for stakeholders in the food industry to review and implement these changes in their operations to remain in compliance with the updated regulations.  

Please refer to the link or attachment for more information.

1. Updates of Food Regulations

2. Circular-on-food-(amendment-no-3)-regulations-2023_non-rte-micro-stds

3. Summary of the comments received and SFA's response (Public Consultation)

4. The current microbiological standards for non-RTE food will apply until 3rd March 2024