Food Vending Machine Licence

a22162
Apr 25, 2024
6 min read

Food Vending Machine Licence

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA)

You only need a a Food Vending Machine Licence if your vending machine dispenses food that requires in-machine preparation or raw meat/seafood.

Here's a quick guide:

Who Needs a Licence?

Food vending machines with in-machine food preparation (e.g., reheating sandwiches or brewing coffee)
Vending machines selling raw meat (including poultry) or seafood (including fish)

Who Does Not Need a Licence?

Vending machines selling pre-packed food obtained from SFA-licensed sources (without any in-machine food preparation)

How to Apply

If you need a license, you can apply online through the Singapore Food Agency website https://www.sfa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/vending-machine-licensing-requirments.pdf?sfvrsn=fa11e752_0. The annual fee for a Food Vending Machine Licence is $195.

Additional Requirements

Name and contact details (email or contact number) of operator, and SFA licence number must be displayed on the machine.
The operator must have a regular cleaning and inspection regime to ensure the vending machine is clean and in good working condition.
Records must be maintained for each machine for the past 30 days and made available at the time of inspection.
The food vending machine must be used solely for the sale of food.
Food must be obtained from SFA-licensed sources (central kitchens, imported food facilities, or SFA-approved catering operations). Selling home-cooked food is strictly not permitted.
Pre-packed food must be pre-packed in a licensed food premise and properly packaged to prevent contamination and leakage. It must be dispensed from the machine in its original packaging.

Applying for a Food Vending Machine Licence

Note: The licence is called a Food Shop Licence. During the application process, select "Food Vending Machine" at the section to describe your food business activity.

The good news is that as of April 1, 2024, applying for a Food Vending Machine Licence in Singapore is simpler if your machine dispenses pre-packaged food without any in-machine preparation. Here's what you need to know:

Do you Need a Licence?

You only require a licence if your vending machine dispenses:

Food that requires in-machine preparation (e.g., reheating sandwiches, brewing coffee)
Raw meat (including poultry) or seafood (including fish)

No Licence Needed?

If your vending machine sells pre-packaged food obtained from SFA-licensed sources (without in-machine preparation), you don't need a licence.

Applying for a Licence (if required)

The application process is online via the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) website. They have a document outlining licensing requirements, which you can find through a web search for "SFA vending machine licensing requirements".
The annual licence fee is S$195.

Additional Requirements (if applicable)

Your vending machine must display your contact details (email or phone number) and the SFA licence number.
You must have a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule to ensure the machine's cleanliness and proper functioning.
Maintain records for each machine for 30 days, readily available during inspections.
The vending machine is for selling food only.
Food must come from SFA-licensed sources (central kitchens, approved catering operations, or imported food facilities). Selling home-cooked food is strictly prohibited.
Pre-packaged food must be prepared in a licensed food establishment and have proper packaging to prevent contamination and leakage. It must be dispensed in its original packaging.

If you're unsure about your specific situation or have questions, it's recommended to contact the Singapore Food Agency directly for clarification.

Which Vending Machine Operators Require a Licence from SFA

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) uses a risk-based approach to determine which vending machine operators require a licence. This means they focus on the potential food safety risks associated with the type of food being sold and the level of processing involved within the machine.

Here's a breakdown of how SFA determines licensing needs:

Requires Licence:

In-machine food preparation: If your vending machine heats, cooks, or otherwise alters the food inside the machine (e.g., reheating sandwiches, brewing coffee, dispensing hot meals), it poses a higher food safety risk and requires an SFA licence.
Raw meat/seafood: Vending machines selling raw meat (including poultry) or seafood (including fish) present a greater risk of spoilage and bacterial growth, so they require a licence for proper control.

No Licence Needed:

Pre-packaged, low-risk food: If your vending machine dispenses pre-packaged food obtained from SFA-licensed sources (without any in-machine preparation), the food safety risk is considered lower. Since the food is already prepared and packaged in a controlled environment, an SFA licence isn't necessary in this case (as of April 1, 2024).

In essence, SFA focuses on these factors:

Food processing: Does the machine alter the food in any way (heating, mixing, etc.)?
Food type: Is the food potentially hazardous, like raw meat or seafood?
Source of food: Does the food come from a reputable, SFA-licensed source?

If your vending machine falls under the category of pre-packaged, low-risk food with no in-machine preparation, you're exempt from the licensing requirement. However, you'll still need to comply with other SFA regulations regarding hygiene, record keeping, and proper food sourcing.

Single or Multiple Food Vending Machine Licences for a Variety of Machines for Different Food Types

Singapore's Food Vending Machine Licence system operates with a single license per operator, even if you have multiple machines. This applies as long as:

Your machines dispense pre-packaged food. This means the food is prepared and packaged beforehand at an SFA-licensed facility (central kitchen, approved catering operation, or imported food facility). There's no in-machine preparation like heating or mixing.
The food itself is considered low-risk. This excludes raw meat (including poultry) and seafood (including fish).

If all your machines meet these criteria, you only need one Food Vending Machine Licence from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). This simplifies the process significantly.

Here's a quick recap:

One Licence for Multiple Machines (if applicable): If your vending machines all dispense pre-packaged, low-risk food without in-machine preparation, you only require a single SFA licence for your entire operation.
Multiple Licences Needed (if applicable): If you have vending machines with in-machine preparation or selling raw meat/seafood, you'll need a separate licence for each machine.

Food Sources that can Supply Food to Vending Machines

According to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), vending machines in Singapore can only be stocked with food from licensed sources to ensure food safety. Here are the types of approved suppliers:

SFA-licensed central kitchens: These are commercial kitchens that have received a license from the SFA to prepare and package food for various purposes, including vending machines.
Food from licensed importers: Certain food items can be imported for vending machines, but only if the importer has the proper SFA license. This ensures the imported food meets safety standards.
SFA-licensed food catering operations: Catering companies with an SFA license can prepare and package food specifically for vending machines, adhering to food safety regulations.

Important points to remember:

Selling home-cooked food in vending machines is strictly prohibited.
All pre-packaged food for vending machines must be prepared in a licensed food establishment.
The packaging must be suitable to prevent contamination and leakage during storage and dispensing.
The food must be dispensed from the machine in its original packaging.

Updating SFA on the Locations of New Vending Machines

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) doesn't require you to submit individual location updates for each new vending machine after your licence is issued, provided you have a single licence for multiple machines dispensing pre-packaged, low-risk food.

Here's why:

The licence applies to your business operation: The Food Vending Machine Licence is issued to your company, not tied to specific machine locations.
Focus on hygiene and record keeping: The SFA emphasizes proper hygiene practices and record-keeping for all your vending machines.

However, it's still crucial to maintain accurate records internally for your business purposes. This includes:

A list of all your vending machine locations
Machine identification details (serial number, model, etc.)
Routine maintenance schedules for each machine

Here's what you can do to inform SFA about changes (optional):

While not mandatory, you can inform SFA about significant changes in your vending machine operations through their online feedback form https://csp.sfa.gov.sg/feedback. This could include a sudden large increase in the number of machines or a shift in the geographical spread of your machines.

Remember, maintaining good hygiene practices and proper record-keeping for all your vending machines is essential to ensure food safety compliance with the SFA.

Alternative Resources:

Singapore Food Agency (SFA): The SFA website has a wealth of information on Food Vending Machine Licences, including application procedures, fees, and hygiene guidelines.
SFA Feedback Form: You can use this form to contact SFA with any questions or clarifications regarding vending machine licensing.

How Bestar can Help

Here are some possibilities how Bestar can assist with Food Vending Machine Licences in Singapore:

General Licensing Guidance: Bestar offers consultancy services to help you understand the requirements for a Food Vending Machine Licence in Singapore. We are able to clarify if you need a licence and explain the process based on your specific vending machine types and food items.
Compliance Assistance: Bestar could assist with ensuring your vending machines comply with SFA regulations. This involves helping you develop cleaning and maintenance procedures, record-keeping practices, or sourcing food from SFA-approved suppliers.
Liaison with SFA (if applicable): In some cases, Bestar might act as a liaison between your company and the SFA. This could involve submitting enquiries or clarification requests on your behalf.

Contact Bestar. Bestar can assess your company's situation (number of machines, food types) to determine the most appropriate course of action.