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What is the SAFE framework?

The SAFE framework is an improved grading of food establishments based on their food safety track records and implementation of food safety management systems with the appointment of a competent person (Advanced Food Hygiene Officer).  

Food establishments with consistent good food safety track records will attain higher grades, while those with poor food safety track records will attain lower grades, and be subjected to more frequent inspections. 

In addition, establishments involved in significant processing or preparation of food (such as food manufacturers and caterers) will need to meet additional requirements to appoint an Advanced Food Hygiene Officer (AFHO) and implement a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) to maintain or attain grade ‘A’. 

The SAFE framework will be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 came into effect on 19 January 2026, while more details on the implementation of Phase 2 will be announced by 2027. 

What is the purpose of the SAFE framework?

The SAFE framework encourages the food industry to uphold good food safety standards to retain and build consumer trust. Consumers can also make more informed dining choices by referring to SAFE grades and supporting food establishments that prioritise food safety. 

Food safety is a joint responsibility. We can all do our part to improve food safety standards in Singapore.

Consumers can access the Safety Assurance for Food Establishments (SAFE) grades of food establishments via SFA’s

 Track Records for Licensed Food Establishments webpage or by scanning the QR code on the SFA licence displayed at the food establishment.

What types of food establishments does the SAFE framework apply to?

The SAFE framework applies to SFA-licensed food establishments that process or prepare food for sale to the public. These food establishments are grouped into two categories.

Licensees can check their establishment category by scanning the QR code on their SFA licence to access their business trade description, then matching this description with the establishments listed in the tables below.

Category 1 Food Establishments

These include restaurants with kitchen size of 16m² or more, caterers, central kitchens and food manufacturing premises, whose establishments are involved in significant processing or preparation of food. More details are in the table below. 

Category 1 Food Establishments
Restaurants & Catering Services | Food CaterersRestaurants with kitchen size 16m² or moreIn-house kitchensRestaurants with cateringCanteens with catering
Food Manufacturing & Processing | Food Processing Establishments Slaughterhouses

Category 2 Food Establishments

These include restaurants with kitchen size less than 16m², cold stores, takeaway outlets, supermarkets, and food stalls in coffee shops, canteens, food courts and hawker centres, whose establishments engage in low/moderate levels of food processing or preparation. More details are in the table below. 

Category 2 Food Establishments
Retail Food Shops | BakeriesPubs, Bars, Nightclubs, DiscosCloud KitchensTakeaway outletsRestaurants with kitchen size less than 16m²
Mobile Food Services | Food Vending MachinesMobile Food WagonsFood Carts (Take Away)
Food Stalls | CoffeeshopsEating housesCanteensFood courtsHawker stalls
Others | Cold StoresFood Processing Establishments (Cloud Kitchen Operators)Supermarkets  

SFA-licensed food establishments that are not directly involved in the processing or preparation of food are excluded from the SAFE framework. These include:

• Main operators of canteens, coffee shops, food courts and private markets (Note: Individual food stalls within these establishments are still covered under SAFE Category 2)
  
  
  
• Market stalls selling raw seafood, meat and other market produce items

How are the grades determined under the SAFE framework?

Food establishments can find their SAFE grade at Track Records for Licensed Food Establishments or by scanning the QR code on their SFA licence.

In the current Phase 1, SAFE grades are determined by the food safety track record of the food establishments. All food establishments under the SAFE framework have been assigned a starting grade based on their current food safety track records. 

In Phase 2, there will be additional requirements for Category 1 food establishments to maintain or attain grade ‘A’. Category 2 food establishments will continue to be graded based on their food safety track records. More details on the implementation of Phase 2 will be announced by 2027.