By The Table desk · Last verified 3 October 2026
Singapore no longer uses the familiar A, B, C and D hygiene stickers. Since 19 January 2026, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) grades food outlets under its SAFE framework (Safety Assurance for Food Establishment), which looks at a business’s food-safety track record over years rather than one yearly inspection. Grade A means a good record for more than three years; B, a good record of one to three years; C, a poor record or a major lapse; and NEW, an outlet open less than a year. There’s no sticker any more: you check the grade by scanning the QR code on the SFA licence displayed at the outlet.
It’s a smarter system, built on the idea that a clean kitchen is a habit, not a good day. Here’s how to use it before you sit down to eat.
Quick facts
- SAFE started on 19 January 2026 and replaced the A-to-D grading system.
- It covers SFA-licensed food establishments, about 45,000 of them.
- Grades reflect years of track record, not a single inspection.
- Old grade decals had to be removed; there are no new stickers.
- Check a grade by scanning the QR code on the SFA licence, on SFA’s website, or by asking.
- A major lapse, such as a licence suspension or a court conviction, means an immediate drop to grade C.
What do the grades mean?
| Grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| A | A good food-safety track record for more than three years |
| B | A good track record of between one and three years |
| C | A poor track record, or a major food-safety lapse |
| NEW | Operating for less than a year, so there isn’t a record yet |
Higher-risk kitchens, such as caterers cooking in bulk, also need extra food-safety measures, such as a trained food hygiene officer and a food safety management system, to reach grade A. Outlets with weaker records are inspected more often.
Why did the stickers go?
An old sticker was a snapshot. It was updated once a year after an inspection and could say A long after a kitchen had slipped, or stay at B after it had improved. SAFE rewards consistency over time, and because the grade is checked online, it’s always current.
How do I check a grade?
- Look for the SFA licence displayed at the stall or restaurant.
- Scan its QR code with your phone camera.
- The page shows the outlet’s current SAFE grade.
You can also search SFA’s track-records page for licensed food establishments, or simply ask the operator.
What if I get sick or spot something wrong?
Report it to SFA through its online feedback form, with the outlet’s name, the date and time you ate, and what you saw or felt. Keep your receipt and, if you can, a photo. SFA uses public reports to decide where to inspect.
The WahLiao Verdict
A NEW grade isn’t a warning, just a young business, and plenty of the island’s happiest meals come from grade-B stalls with long queues. But if you’re feeding a party of 50 or ordering for an elderly relative, take ten seconds to scan the licence. A grade C is worth knowing about before the food arrives.
Questions people ask
Do hawker stalls have grades?
SAFE applies to SFA-licensed food establishments. If a stall displays an SFA licence with a QR code, you can check its grade the same way.
Is a grade C outlet allowed to stay open?
Yes, a grade C outlet is licensed, but it faces more frequent inspections. Serious breaches can still lead to suspension or closure.
Can an outlet improve its grade?
Yes, by building a clean record over time. Outlets downgraded after a major lapse can’t use the fast-track routes to a better grade.
Does the grade cover food delivery kitchens?
Any kitchen licensed by SFA has a grade, including those that sell mainly through delivery apps.
Sources: Singapore Food Agency, SAFE framework explainer and announcement of the SAFE framework; Verdict Foodservice on how grades are set. The Table explains; it does not endorse.
Read next: How a Hawker Centre Works · Tray Return in Singapore · Back to The Table
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