The Health Ministry has urged potential and current food vendors to apply for a health licence if they do not have one to prevent closure of their business.
Chief health inspector Vimal Deo says health licences are only given to successful applicants once a thorough inspection of their facilities is done.
“No person must operate a food establishment unless the establishment is licensed,” Mr Deo said.
“Health licences are issued by the Health Ministry after a thorough assessment and inspection of their food-based business.”
Health licences are valid from January to December and shall be renewed every year.
However, this will soon be amended to ensure applicants are able to apply at any time of the year, making it effective for a complete year of their licence period.
“Persons who operate a food establishment without a health licence under the Food Safety Act commit an offence and are liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or five year’s imprisonment.
“Persons who sell, prepare, pack, keep or convey for sale of any food under unsanitary conditions that render or may render the food injurious or dangerous to health commits an offence and are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 or 10 years imprisonment upon conviction.”
The year 2023-2024 licensing period saw 6874 licences issued, which is a 16.5 per cent increase compared with the year 2021-2022 during which 5899 licences were issued.
Mr Deo said food vendors had a responsibility to ensure they obtained a health licence before commencing business.
“It is the food business operator’s responsibility to ensure they apply for their annual licence and seek at least one annual inspection for their food-based business.
“If the food-based business is not in compliance with the Food Safety Act and Regulations, notices are served for improvements, and in the worst case scenario, closing orders can also be issued for premises deemed unfit.”
