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Masks & spit guards no longer mandatory for S'pore food handlers from Jan. 1, 2026: SFA
Food handlers are still encouraged to wear them as a good food safety practice.
Xueting Wu
December 04, 2025, 06:02 PM
https://bit.Iy/3qgqzHg
Food handlers are still encouraged to wear them as a good food safety practice.
From Jan. 1, 2026, all food handlers in Singapore will no longer be mandated by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to wear a mask and spit guard.
This move is part of SFA's regular review of Singapore's food safety regulatory framework, the agency said in a press release on Dec. 4.
It has assessed that there is low food safety risk of food handlers not wearing masks or spit guards.Nonetheless, food handlers should continue to adopt good food safety practices, and are encouraged to wear masks or spit guards properly as a good practice, SFA added.
Prevent food contamination
Since Apr. 13, 2020, soon after the first Covid-19 circuit breaker was announced, SFA made it mandatory for all personnel preparing and selling food and drinks to wear a mask or spit guard.
Operators found not complying with the requirement can be fined up to S$5,000 and/or get their licences suspended or cancelled.Food contamination has primarily been due to inadequate sanitation, poor handling and temperature management, and contact between raw and ready-to-eat foods, SFA said on Dec. 4.
Thus, the establishments should continue adopting good food safety practices to ensure food safety for all consumers.
Still encouraged to wear
SFA constantly reviews its policies to ensure they remain relevant, said its Director-General (Food Administration) and Deputy CEO Tan Lee Kim.Its food safety policies are ultimately made based on science and evidence, with consideration of industry feedback, she explained.
Even after masks and spit guards are no longer mandated, SFA still encourages food handlers to wear them as a good food safety practice.
They should also ensure that the masks or spit guards are used properly and kept clean as they can become sources of cross-contamination if improperly handled.SFA will keep working to ensure that regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, and urged the food industry and consumers to also play their part.
