logo
Forum: SFA adopts a science-based approach in regulating food colourings

Forum: SFA adopts a science-based approach in regulating food colourings

Straits Times4 days ago

We refer to the letter by Ang Chiew Leng, 'Look into reviewing food dyes used in Singapore' (ST, May 20).
Synthetic colouring compounds allowed for use in food in Singapore must first be assessed by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to be safe for consumption.
SFA adopts a science-based risk management approach that is consistent with international standards to ensure food safety.
When assessing the safety of synthetic food colourings, SFA takes reference from the assessments by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
Where JECFA assessments are not available, SFA will take into consideration relevant published scientific information such as toxicity studies as well as evaluations conducted by major developed countries.
SFA reviews our food safety standards from time to time, closely monitors for new scientific evidence and engages other regulators on the impact of synthetic food colourings on human health. More information on the safety of food additives and food colourings can be found on SFA's website.
Joanne Chan Sheot Harn (Associate Professor)
Centre Director
National Centre for Food Science
Singapore Food Agency
More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Thai panel upholds suspension of doctors who helped ex-PM Thaksin dodge jail
Thai panel upholds suspension of doctors who helped ex-PM Thaksin dodge jail

Straits Times

time7 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Thai panel upholds suspension of doctors who helped ex-PM Thaksin dodge jail

FILE PHOTO: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks with businessmen ahead of the \"Vision for Thailand\" event in Bangkok, Thailand, August 22, 2024. Picture taken through glass. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo BANGKOK - Thailand's medical council on Thursday upheld its suspension of two doctors who enabled influential politician Thaksin Shinawatra to spend his prison sentence in hospital, a day ahead of the start of a Supreme Court case that could see him jailed. Thaksin, the driving force behind the current government, returned from 15 years of self-exile in 2023 to serve a prison term for abuse of power and conflicts of interest, but was sent to hospital after only a few hours in jail complaining of chest problems. The polarising billionaire, whose daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra is prime minister, stayed in a VIP wing of the hospital for six months until his release on parole without a single night in jail, prompting public outrage and deep scepticism about the extent of his ailments. "More than two-thirds of the council voted to uphold the punishments," Medical Council of Thailand vice president, Prasit Watanapa, told reporters. "Members made the decision based on medical principles, evidence and reason." The suspensions could impact a case at the Supreme Court that begins on Friday in which the legality of Thaksin's hospital stay has been challenged, with the possibility the tycoon could be made to serve that time again, in prison. Thaksin, 75, remains a towering figure in Thai politics and though he holds no formal government role, he is highly influential. His lawyer declined to comment on Thursday on the council's decision. The revival of the controversy over Thaksin's hospital stay comes at a challenging time for Paetongtarn's government, which is seeing its popularity dwindle amid a prolonged struggle to spur economic growth and domestic pressure to take a tougher stance on an ongoing border dispute with Cambodia. Thaksin's sentence was originally eight years, but it was commuted to a year by the king and he became eligible for parole after six months. The medical council's vote overrides a veto of its earlier decision by Health Minister Somsak Thapsutin, a Thaksin ally. The council had yet to confirm the duration of the suspension of the two doctors, who it found had issued documents that contained false medical information. They had denied wrongdoing and stood by their medical assessments. Another doctor with the corrections department received a warning for failing to meet medical standards in a referral notice for Thaksin. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

SFA recalls brand of instant vermicelli noodles due to undeclared gluten, wheat allergens
SFA recalls brand of instant vermicelli noodles due to undeclared gluten, wheat allergens

New Paper

time17 hours ago

  • New Paper

SFA recalls brand of instant vermicelli noodles due to undeclared gluten, wheat allergens

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a recall for a brand of instant vermicelli noodles due to undeclared gluten and wheat allergens. The recall involves all batches of Haichijia brand's Hua Jia Jiang Hu (Clam Vermicelli), which has been brought into Singapore from China by importer Hong Xin Da. "Allergens in food could result in allergic reaction in individuals who are sensitive to it," SFA said in a news release on June 11. It added that under Singapore's food regulations, food products that contain ingredients known to cause hypersensitivity must indicate them on packaging labels to protect consumers with food allergies. Gluten and wheat does not pose a food safety issue to consumers at large, except for those that are intolerant of, or allergic to, gluten and wheat, SFA said. Consumers who have gluten and wheat allergies or intolerances should not consume the product. They should also seek medical advice if they have consumed the implicated product, and if they have concerns about their health. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries.

Forum: Move closer to a more integrated and patient-centric healthcare system
Forum: Move closer to a more integrated and patient-centric healthcare system

Straits Times

time19 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Forum: Move closer to a more integrated and patient-centric healthcare system

My brother, who is visually handicapped, receives specialist care from multiple healthcare institutions – namely, Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), Singapore General Hospital (SGH), and the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC). Before each consultation, he is often required to undergo routine blood tests about a week in advance. However, because the consultations are at different hospitals, he must make separate trips to each facility for what are essentially the same tests. This process is not only inefficient but also physically taxing – not just for my brother, but for other patients who may be elderly or have mobility issues. It also places a significant burden on caregivers, many of whom are already juggling multiple responsibilities. I urge the Ministry of Health to review this process and consider allowing such routine pre-consultation tests to be done at the public hospital nearest to the patient, regardless of where the consultation will take place. The results can be securely shared across institutions. Implementing this change would reduce unnecessary travel, ease caregiver stress, and move us closer to a more integrated and patient-centric healthcare system. Gabriel Chia More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store