Compliance
SFA licensing: what it means for your cafe's supplier
When a cafe outsources its pastry case, food safety accountability moves with it. Here's what an SFA-licensed central kitchen actually has to meet.
Why this matters to a cafe
A cafe is responsible for what it serves, whether it's baked on-site or supplied by a wholesale partner. Sourcing from an SFA-licensed central kitchen means the food safety controls — certified handlers, inspected premises, documented processes — sit with a facility built and inspected for that purpose, rather than resting entirely on the cafe's own kitchen.
What an SFA-licensed central kitchen has to meet
SFA licence or registration
A food business producing and supplying baked goods from a central premises needs to be licensed or registered with the Singapore Food Agency for food manufacturing and storage before it can legally supply other outlets.
NEA infrastructure compliance
The premises itself has to meet National Environment Agency requirements: grease traps, proper exhaust, handwash stations, washable flooring, and documented hot/cold temperature control.
Certified food handlers
Everyone handling food needs the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1, with at least one senior staff member holding certified Food Hygiene Management training.
Pre-licensing inspection
SFA inspects the premises before issuing or transferring a licence — a new site can't legally produce food until it passes.
Sources: Singapore Food Agency, Jackie's Enterprise.
Summer Bakery's compliance status
Summer Bakery operates as an SFA-licensed central kitchen in Singapore, producing all wholesale and consignment orders under that licence.