Updated Advisory on Wearing of Masks or Spit Guards by Food Handlers

1            With effect from 1 January 2026, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will no longer mandate the wearing of mask and spit guard for all food handlers as part of SFA’s licensing condition. Food establishments should continue adopting good food safety practices and are encouraged to wear masks or spit guards properly as a good practice.

2            The move is part of SFA’s regular review of our food safety regulatory framework to ensure that it remains relevant in addressing food safety risks. Currently, SFA requires all food handlers to wear a mask or spit guard over the nose and mouth that can prevent any substance expelled from the mouth or nose from contaminating food. This requirement was put in place since April 2020 and applies to all personnel engaged in the sale and preparation of food and drinks at all food establishments.

3        SFA has assessed that there is low food safety risk of food handlers not wearing masks or spit guards. Food contamination has primarily been due to inadequate sanitation, poor handling and temperature management, and contact between raw and ready-to-eat foods. Nonetheless, food businesses should continue adopting good food safety practices to ensure food safety for all consumers, such as proper food handling, time and temperature control, thorough cleaning, and good housekeeping practices. Food handlers are encouraged to wear masks or spit guards as a good food safety practice, and they should ensure that the masks or spit guards are handled properly and kept clean as they can become sources of cross-contamination if improperly handled.

4            Dr Tan Lee Kim, SFA’s Director-General (Food Administration) and Deputy CEO, said: “SFA constantly reviews our policies to ensure that they remain relevant. We take into consideration industry feedback, though ultimately our food safety policies are based on science and evidence. While the mask-wearing requirement for food handlers is no longer mandatory, SFA continues to encourage food handlers to wear masks or spit guards as a good food safety practice. Masks and spit guards must also be used properly, as they can become sources of cross-contamination if improperly used.” 

5            Food safety is a joint responsibility as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain. While SFA continues to be vigilant and works to ensure that regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, the industry and consumers must also play their part.