The food and beverage (F&B) industry including coffee shops and hawker centres is an essential part of the economy in Singapore. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has had to implement various safe management measures for F&B businesses to protect the health and safety of their customers and employees.
In this article, we will explore the importance of safety and compliance in the F&B industry, the regulations for F&B businesses in Singapore, and various safe management measures that F&B business owners can adopt to ensure the safety of their customers and employees. Let’s find out below!
How has Covid 19 affected the F&B industry in Singapore?
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly impacted businesses in the Retail and Food & Beverage (F&B) industries in Singapore. Despite the challenging period faced by the F&B sector in recent years, data from the first quarter of 2022 indicates a robust recovery following the easing of social restrictions.
1. Sales Surge
Concurrent with the reduction of COVID-19 restrictions, the F&B industry has demonstrated strong performance in the early months of 2022. According to statistics released by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), F&B services have experienced a noteworthy 2.1% year-on-year growth.
March 2022 alone recorded an impressive estimated total F&B sales of $806 million. This exceptional performance reflects the industry’s adept response to the evolving landscape in manufacturing and hospitality.
2. Impact of Technology
Technology is disrupting various industries, and the F&B sector has notably embraced digital transformation. Advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and logistics have delivered unparalleled efficiency for businesses of all sizes.
Comprehensive data analytics has provided companies in the industry with insightful ways to understand their target audience with remarkable precision. This analytical approach not only aids in understanding consumer preferences but also assists brands in developing new products that align closely with the needs and desires of their customer base.
Read more: SOP for Food and Beverage Service
The Importance of Safety and Compliance in the F&B Industry
Safety and compliance are critical aspects of the F&B industry. Ensuring the safety of customers and employees is not only essential to maintain the reputation of an F&B business but also to avoid legal and financial consequences.
Non-compliance with safety regulations can lead to fines, suspension or revocation of licences, and damage to the business’s reputation. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a heightened need for safe management measures to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The F&B industry is highly regulated, and businesses must adhere to various laws and regulations to maintain their licence to operate. These regulations cover areas such as food safety, hygiene, licensing, and safe management measures.
For example, food safety regulations aim to ensure that the food served is safe for consumption, while hygiene regulations aim to prevent the spread of diseases. Licensing regulations ensure that only qualified and reputable businesses are allowed to operate.
Safe management measures, such as temperature screening, contact tracing, and safe distancing measures, are essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of customers and employees.
Read more: 5 Restaurant Risk Management Strategies
F&B Businesses Regulations in Singapore
In Singapore, F&B businesses are regulated by various laws and regulations to ensure safety, compliance, and hygiene. Some of the regulations that F&B businesses must comply with include the following:
- Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA): This act regulates the cleanliness and hygiene of F&B establishments. It stipulates that F&B businesses must maintain a clean and hygienic environment and comply with food safety regulations.
- Sale of Food Act (SFA): The SFA regulates the sale of food and ensures that the food sold is safe for consumption. The act also mandates the labelling of food products and the use of food additives.
- Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act: This act regulates the sale and consumption of alcohol in F&B establishments. It stipulates the permissible hours for selling and consuming alcohol and the age limit for purchasing and consuming alcohol.
- Employment Act: The Employment Act regulates the employment of workers in Singapore, including those employed in the F&B industry. It stipulates minimum employment standards, such as working hours, overtime pay, and leave entitlements.
- COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act: This act was introduced to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various sectors, including the F&B industry. It sets out temporary measures to provide relief to businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic, such as rental relief, loan moratoriums, and safe management measures.
F&B businesses in Singapore must comply with these regulations to maintain their licence to operate and ensure the safety of their customers and employees.
Various Safe Management Measures for F&B Businesses in Singapore
F&B business owners must implement various safe management measures to protect the health and safety of their customers and employees. Here are some of the safe management measures that F&B businesses in Singapore can adopt:
1. Temperature Screening
Temperature screening is one of the essential safe management measures for F&B businesses in Singapore. Businesses are required to conduct temperature screening of all individuals entering the premises, including customers, employees, and vendors. This is to ensure that no one with a fever or other symptoms of illness enters the establishment, which can help to prevent the spread of diseases such as COVID-19.
2. Safe Distancing Measures
This can be achieved through measures such as rearranging tables and chairs, placing floor markers, and limiting the number of customers allowed on the premises at any given time. However, there are no group sizes limit currently as they were not allowed to dine in together at F&B establishments, even if they are split across multiple tables.
3. Contact Tracing
Contact tracing is another important safe management measure for F&B businesses in Singapore. Businesses are required to implement a system for recording the details of all customers, employees, and vendors entering the premises, including their names, contact number, and entry time. This is to facilitate contact tracing efforts in the event of a COVID-19 case being linked to the establishment.
4. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection
Enhanced cleaning and disinfection are crucial safe management measures for F&B businesses in Singapore. Businesses are required to increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, such as tables, chairs, menus, and payment terminals. This can help to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other illnesses.
5. Mask-Wearing
Mask-wearing is mandatory in Singapore, and F&B businesses are required to ensure that customers and employees wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. This is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
6. Implementation of Online Ordering and Payment Systems
F&B businesses are encouraged to implement online ordering and payment systems to reduce contact between customers and employees. This can help to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other illnesses.
7. Training and Education of Employees
F&B businesses are required to train and educate their employees on safe management measures, such as temperature screening, contact tracing, and cleaning and disinfection procedures. This can help to ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, and can contribute to a safer working environment.
Streamline Your Operations with StaffAny
As an F&B business owner in Singapore, ensuring compliance with regulations and implementing safe management measures is critical for the safety of your customers and employees. With so many measures to implement, it can be challenging to manage your workforce effectively. That’s where StaffAny’s smart timesheet software comes in.
StaffAny’s smart timesheet software is a cloud-based solution that simplifies staff management and compliance with regulations. With features such as time tracking, shift scheduling, and payroll management, you can ensure that your staff is working the hours they’re supposed to and getting paid accurately.
To simplify your staff management and compliance efforts, sign up for StaffAny’s smart timesheet software today!
