The Government is mulling over the introduction of laws that could help allay business concerns over liability issues in donating food items.
A spokesman for the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) told The Straits Times earlier this month that it is exploring Good Samaritan laws, which provide some legal protection against criminal or civil liabilities for people who render assistance to others.
The SFA spokesman said it is still important to ensure that any food donated is fit for consumption.
Food waste is a concern for Singapore, with a recent study estimating that one-fifth of total food in Singapore annually is lost and wasted in the food supply chain. This includes food that is still fit for consumption.
Businessses such as Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, say the introduction of Good Samaritan laws could encourage more organisations to donate, and set standards for food donation.
The SFA and the National Environment Agency have developed food waste minimisation guidebooks to guide businesses in developing plans to minimise food waste and implementing practices to cut down food loss.
Supermarket chain FairPrice said it has a framework to tackle food waste. It includes its Great Taste, Less Waste programme.
Under the programme, fruits and vegetables that are blemished but still wholesome are repacked and sold at marked down prices at more than 140 FairPrice stores islandwide, said a spokesman.
Tackling the food waste issue requires the “sustained and concerted efforts” from industry players, government agencies and the community, said the FairPrice spokesman.
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Source: The Straits Times, 28 August 2019