SINGAPORE, 1 July – Singapore has added Indonesia as a new source for the import of chilled, frozen and processed chicken, said the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Thursday (Jun 30).
“Chickens from approved Indonesia establishments can now be imported in addition to existing sources such as Brazil, Thailand and Australia,” said SFA in a Facebook post.
More than 20 countries are now accredited to export chicken to Singapore, which has been working to secure additional supplies after Malaysia’s decision to impose an export ban on Jun 1.
About one-third of Singapore’s chicken supply came from Malaysia.
The decision to approve Indonesia as a new source for chicken imports came after a Singapore team visited the country to audit its food safety and animal health controls.
SFA said the team visited various facilities such as farms, quarantine stations and laboratories to better understand the regulatory systems in place.
It added that individual establishments and farms needed to be evaluated and approved, with detailed documentary evaluations and on-site audits for verification.
“The consignments would also be subjected to SFA’s inspection, sampling and testing upon import. This ensures the continuity of SFA’s source diversification strategy without compromising food safety,” said the agency.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu also posted about the announcement on Facebook.
She said adding Indonesia to Singapore’s list of 20 accredited countries to import chicken from is another step forward in the country’s efforts to diversify sources and enhance the resilience of its food supply.
“Global supplies will continue to face uncertainties, and we must be psychologically prepared for more disruptions and price volatility,” she added.
“While the Government undertakes long-term planning and proactive actions to safeguard Singapore’s food supply, consumers and the food industry also have an important part to play.”
Fu Ms Fu said being flexible with food choices and being willing to switch to alternative products when necessary also help increase Singapore’s resilience.
Source: CNA/The Straits Times
