Amidst a climate of continuing food threats around the world, AVA has remained vigilant in monitoring the environment and putting in place stringent food safety standards. However, the government’s efforts alone are not enough. The food industry needs to work hand-in-hand with the government to make sure food they offer to consumers is safe.

Over the years, several food establishments have done well in maintaining high food safety standards and their efforts are recognised through the Food Safety Excellence Awards. Establishments that have achieved grade ‘A’ for two, five, 10, and 15 consecutive years under AVA’s Food Factory Grading System are presented Certificates of Commendation, Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards respectively at the Food Safety Awards Night annually.

At the Food Safety Awards Night held on 4 July 2014 at Orchard Hotel, Guest-of-Honour, Minister of State for National Development and Defence, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman presented six Gold and 11 Silver Food Safety Excellence Awards. In addition, AVA Chairman, Mr Koh Soo Keong, gave out 138 Certificates of Commendation, six more than last year.

The increasing number of food establishments being honoured at the Awards Night over the years is encouraging and indicates the industry’s growing commitment towards food safety, as highlighted by AVA CEO, Ms Tan Poh Hong, in her opening address: “I am heartened to see that the number of companies receiving the Food Safety Excellence Awards has increased by about 30 percent over the past five years.”

AVA's food safety mascot, an otter named Oscar, tours several supermarkets in Singapore to promote food safety tips to consumers.

Working on Food Safety Public Education

While AVA encourages the food industry to strive towards high food safety standards, consumers also have a part to play in safe food selection and preparation. AVA has been actively educating the public on food safety, and garnering support from the industry through the Food Safety Partnership Scheme.

Our public education outreach programmes include Food Safety mascot tours at Cold Storage and NTUC FairPrice outlets, talks in school, as well as interactive activities onboard the Food Safety Bus sponsored by Seo Eng Joo. During these activities, informative outreach collaterals - supported by Nestle, Tai Hua Food Industries, and Singapore Food Industries - are distributed to increase consumers’ awareness of food safety messages. To applaud their efforts, these food safety partners were acknowledged on stage at the Food Safety Awards Night.