24 food businesses at Hari Raya fair suspended, stall says organiser 'didn't do for us the licence'

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has suspended the food business operations of 24 unlicensed food stalls and trucks at the Hari Raya Mega Sale 2023 fair organised by Megaxpress International.

SFA officers found the 21 unlicensed food stalls and three unlicensed food trucks operating at Singapore Expo Hall 5A on Friday (March 10).

Preliminary investigation also showed that there were unregistered food handlers working at those businesses. Investigation is on-going.

Under the Environmental Public Health Act, all operators of temporary fairs must get a permit from SFA for the duration of the fair. This allows SFA to ensure that fair operators have complied with measures to ensure food safety.

Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before the fair commencement date.

Food and beverage stalls at temporary fairs are also required to be licensed by SFA, with food handlers who have passed the mandatory Food Safety Course Level 1.

SFA will take enforcement action against temporary fair operators who do not adhere to regulations. Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000. For a subsequent conviction, they are liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both.

One of the stalls suspended, Homemade Mak Yah Sg, posted on its Facebook page: "The organiser of Megaxpress did not do for us the license which we can’t sell and have to clear everything. Sorry for the inconvenience caused."