Get Expert Food Hygiene Officer (FHO) Support

Certain SFA-licensed food establishments — including restaurants, caterers, canteens and food courts — are required to designate trained Food Hygiene Officers (FHOs) to oversee food safety and hygiene practices. Assure Safety provides structured FHO support and specialist services to help your establishment meet regulatory requirements with clarity and confidence.

About Food Hygiene Officers (FHO)
FHOs support the licensee in implementing, monitoring, and maintaining effective food safety systems. They perform routine inspections and educate food handlers, ensuring they follow proper food safety practices and maintain personal hygiene during food preparation.

The FHO should hold a supervisory role, such as a chief chef, sous chef, restaurant manager, operations manager, or supervisor. To become certified FHOs, individuals must attend and pass the WSQ Food Safety Course (FSC) Level 3, a one-time certification. FHOs must complete the FSC Level 1 or Level 2 (Refresher) course five years after passing FSC Level 3 if their role involves food handling, and attend subsequent refresher training as long as they continue to handle food.

Foodborne incidents affect both consumers and food establishment licensees, potentially leading to suspension, downgrading, and lasting reputational damage.FHOs play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of such incidents by monitoring and upholding food safety standards, helping licensees avoid financial and reputational losses.Furthermore, by enforcing food safety requirements and guidelines, FHOs enable licensees to maintain a strong food safety record.

Assure Safety provides Food Hygiene Officer support services tailored to your food and beverage (F&B) establishment’s needs.

What Is a Food Hygiene Officer (FHO)?

A Food Hygiene Officer (FHO) is a trained and certified individual responsible for implementing, monitoring and maintaining effective food safety and hygiene systems at licensed food establishments. FHOs conduct hygiene inspections, educate food handlers on safe practices, and help ensure that operations comply with Singapore Food Agency (SFA) standards between official inspections.

Typical roles and duties include:

  • Conducting regular food safety and hygiene checks
  • Implementing systems to ensure food handlers practise safe food preparation
  • Educating and reminding staff about personal hygiene requirements
  • Identifying lapses in hygiene and taking corrective action
  • Supporting compliance with SFA regulations

This role is essential to maintaining a strong food safety track record and avoiding regulatory non-compliance.

Regulatory Requirements

When Must You Appoint a Food Hygiene Officer?

Under SFA requirements, most licensed food establishments must appoint at least one trained Food Hygiene Officer registered with the SFA. The FHO must be a supervisory staff member such as a chief chef, sous chef, restaurant manager, operations manager or supervisor who has completed the required training certification.

To become a certified FHO, an individual must complete and pass the WSQ Food Safety Course (FSC) Level 3 — this is a one-time certification recognised by SFA and SSG. After certification, FHOs who also perform food handling must undertake periodic retraining to maintain their competency.

Our Food Hygiene Officer (FHO) Support Services

How We Support Your FHO Obligations
  • FHO Appointment Support Assistance in identifying and assigning certified Food Hygiene Officers for your establishment.
  • Training & Certification Guidance Support to ensure FHOs complete the WSQ FSC Level 3 course and maintain certification.
  • Food Safety System Review Evaluation of your current systems and implementation of improved food hygiene practices.
  • Routine Hygiene Checks & Reports Regular inspections and reporting to support compliance between official SFA visits.
Why Engage Assure Safety
  • Regulatory Assurance
    We help you understand and meet SFA requirements for FHO appointment and compliance.
  • Practical Implementation
    Assure Safety consultants assist with integrating food hygiene systems into daily operations.
  • Experienced Consultants
    Our team brings practical industry insights and regulatory knowledge to support your establishment.
  • Ongoing Support
    We remain available to advise on updates, audits, and compliance reviews.

Get Food Hygiene Officer (FHO) Support Today!