Contents in this page
What are food additives?
Food additives are chemical substances that are intentionally added to food, typically in very small amounts, to enhance its appearance, texture, flavour, or shelf life.
Examples of food additives include preservatives, emulsifiers, flavouring agents, and food colouring.
Food additives can be derived from both natural and artificially synthesised sources. They do not refer to foreign substances arising from contamination or improper handling of food.
What are the food additives allowed for use in food?
Only food additives that have been assessed by SFA are permitted for use in food products sold in Singapore. For more information on how SFA assesses and allows food additive for use in food, please refer to Food Additives – are they safe?
Food additives are allowed when:
- there is a technological justification
- they do not present health risks to consumers
Download the List of Permitted Food Additives or use the Food Additives Search tool to check if your additives are allowed.
What are the limits on food additives?
Different limits apply, depending on the additive and the type of food products. Use the Guidance Information on Requirements for Use of Food Additives to learn more about the different types of additives and the corresponding regulations that impose the limits.
Who must comply with the limits on food additives?
All food businesses offering food for sale in Singapore must comply with the regulatory limits on food additives. In addition, they must also comply with the Regulatory Limits for Contaminants in Food.
For examples of food businesses that are required to comply, please see the Overview on Food Safety Regulatory Limits.
How do I comply with the limits?
Step 1: Get a list of additives used in your products
Step 2: Check if the additives are permitted
Step 3: Use the calculation tool provided (if necessary)
Step 4: Ensure you comply with the labelling requirements (applies only to prepacked foods for sale in Singapore)
Where can I get a copy of the regulatory limits?
The food safety regulatory limits can be found in SFA's Legislation.
For more information
You can contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form.
