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What are food labels?
The term ‘food label’ refers to any tag, brand, mark, statement in words, pictures, or diagrams that is on, attached to, used, displayed in connection with or accompanying any food or package containing food.
Why are food labels regulated?
The food label is one of the most important and direct ways for sellers to communicate product information to buyers.
It is also one of the primary ways for consumers to differentiate between foods and brands to make informed choices at the point of sale.
The food labels also help consumers to identify a food product or ingredient in the event of a food safety incident.
The regulation of food labels enables consumers to make informed decisions about their food choices and also protects public health. This is in line with the principles of international food standards.
How are the labelling standards set?
SFA takes reference from the international food standards-setting body, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), when reviewing the labelling requirements for Singapore.
Who must comply with the labelling requirements?
All food businesses offering prepacked food for sale in Singapore must comply with the Food Regulations, including the labelling requirements.
What are the labelling requirements?
The labelling requirements consist of:
- General Labelling Requirements
- Additional Labelling Requirements
- Requirements on Other Claims, such as ‘organic’ and ‘gluten-free’
- Prohibited Claims on Food Labels and Advertisements
- Requirements on Nutrition and Health Claims
Please refer to A Guide to Food Labelling and Advertisements for a comprehensive understanding of the labelling requirements. As of 2 May 2024, regulatory control on nutrition labelling nutrition and health claims are regulated by the Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Board.
What products must comply with the labelling requirements?
All prepacked food products for sale in Singapore must be labelled according to the general labelling requirements of the Food Regulations.
Prepacked food products refer to food products that are packed in a wrapper or container in advance, before being put up for sale. Examples include canned food, pasteurised milk, potato chips, cooking oil and flour.
Some prepacked food products (e.g. special purpose foods and foods with nutrition or health claims) are also required to meet additional labelling requirements.
What about food products that are not prepacked?
The labelling requirements only apply to prepacked food. However, food businesses offering non-prepacked food should still provide the information typically found on food labels to consumers upon request.
For example, allergen information can be communicated through various means, such as on the menu or standees that can be displayed at the food premises.
Non-prepacked foods include:
- Food meant to be supplied to food manufacturers or food services as ingredients for further processing.
- Food which is weighed, counted, or measured in the presence of the purchaser and food that is loosely packed in the retailer’s premises.
- Foods sold loosely in retail outlets, for example, cold meats or cheeses sold from delicatessen counters, bread sold in bakery shops, meat sold at butchers, and pick-and-mix confectionery.
- Foods which are prepared upon consumers placing orders, such as meals served in a restaurant, catering, and food from a takeaway.
How do I comply with the labelling requirements?
Step 1: Check if your product must comply with the labelling requirements
Step 2: Ensure the labels on your products comply
Manufacturers' labels may not meet SFA’s requirements as they often cater to multiple countries. Importers can put sticker labels on the imported food with the information required to comply with the labelling requirements.
What if I need help with my labels?
You can contact any of SFA’s appointed labelling consultants from the Institutes of Higher Learning if you require any assistance. They provide consultation services to food businesses on food labels and advertisements to help them comply with SFA's Food Regulations.
Please contact the consultants directly for details on the services they provide and the fees (if any).
| Name of Institute of Higher Learning | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Nanyang Polytechnic | Dr Gan Heng Hui
Labelling consultants
|
| Republic Polytechnic | Mr Eric Kwek Telephone: 66971788
Labelling Consultants
|
| Singapore Polytechnic | Ms. Rena Low Telephone: 68707833
Labelling Consultants
|
| Temasek Polytechnic | Ms Johanna Tan Telephone: 67806202
Labelling Consultants
|
For more information
You can contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form.
