Singapore’s food safety authority, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), recently sent a delegation to Sri Lanka on a four-day mission. This visit aimed to achieve two key objectives: boosting Sri Lankan exports to Singapore and evaluating Sri Lankan facilities for potential poultry imports.
Led by Dr. Abdul Jalil Abdul Karder, the SFA delegation conducted pre-inspections on slaughterhouses that have applied for licenses to export poultry products to Singapore. Their goal was to assess if these Sri Lankan companies meet the rigorous food safety standards established by the SFA.
Recognizing the importance of this initiative for Sri Lankan exports, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) facilitated the SFA delegation’s visit. This included arranging inspections beyond poultry processing facilities. The delegation also toured a rice processing mill, a fruit and vegetable processing center, and a seafood export company, exploring the potential for broader food exports from Sri Lanka.
Collaborative efforts to promote Sri Lankan products, particularly poultry and rice, in the Singaporean market were undertaken by the SFA, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore, the Department of Animal Production & Health (DAPH), and the EDB. Applications from Sri Lankan poultry processors and exporters are currently being reviewed by the SFA, with the DAPH playing a key role in facilitating this process. Additionally, rice samples from various Sri Lankan mills were submitted for evaluation by potential Singaporean buyers.
In essence, this visit signifies Singapore’s interest in expanding its food import options while adhering to their strict safety standards. If Sri Lankan companies meet these requirements, it could open doors for increased exports of poultry, rice, and potentially other food products to Singapore.