Types of Online Food Businesses

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What are the various types of online food businesses?

The online food business sector is diverse. The businesses can be broadly categorised into three main types:

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Online food sellers

This category includes the e-commerce platforms and resellers.

E-commerce platforms act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. Examples include online marketplaces, social media live streaming platforms, and the online extensions of brick-and-mortar stores.

Resellers buy food products from suppliers to resell them online, without preparing or manufacturing food.

Organisers of group buys

These individuals or businesses buy food in bulk, either locally or from overseas, to sell to a closed group.

Food Delivery Services

These individuals or businesses deliver Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food from food retail outlets, e.g. restaurants and food stalls, to customers.

What types of online food businesses are regulated?

All types of food businesses, whether online or physical, must comply with prevailing food laws and regulations.

This also applies to food businesses that do not require a licence from SFA to operate, such as e-commerce platforms and organisers of group buys.

The sale of food that is unsafe, unsuitable, or unfit for consumption is prohibited, and SFA will take enforcement action against any infringements.

To help businesses to comply, SFA has developed industry standards for the sale of food products on online platforms and delivery of RTE food.

For more details, see Requirements for Online Food Sellers.

Where can I learn more?

You can use the links below:

General Requirements for Online Food Business

Requirements for Food Delivery Businesses

Guidelines for Group-Buy Organisers

Types of Online Food Businesses

Singapore Food Agency

What are the various types of online food businesses?

What types of online food businesses are regulated?

Where can I learn more?

Last updated 15 May 2026