Keeping public dining spaces clean is a shared responsibility
26 Sep 2025
We refer to the Forum letter by Foo Siang Yian, "Cultivate a ‘we first’ clean table culture in Singapore” (Sept 12). We agree that keeping our dining spaces clean is a shared responsibility between stakeholders, including diners, operators and the Government.
Since the implementation of the Clean Tables Campaign, we have seen positive changes in our public dining spaces as more diners are doing their part to clear their trays and crockery.
We encourage diners to continue enhancing the cleanliness of food establishments by clearing used crockery, cutlery and trays, and any litter after finishing their meals. This goes a long way towards making the dining experience more pleasant for the next diner.
Operators can also play their part by providing and maintaining tray-return infrastructure, as well as maintaining the cleanliness of the premises’ dining area.
Complementing these efforts, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) works with other government agencies to ensure cleanliness of food establishments. SFA conducts checks at coffee shops and foodcourts, and engages these operators to remind them of the necessary requirements.
Ultimately, cultivating a pleasant dining culture and having clean tables at our food establishments require a collective effort from everyone – from diners clearing their used trays and crockery to operators maintaining proper facilities, and the Government ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
Siti Suriani Abdul Majid
Senior Director
Joint Operations Division
Singapore Food Agency
ST Forum Letter - "Cultivate a ‘we first’ clean table culture in Singapore"
