Are you running an F&B business in Singapore? Then you probably know that registering your food handlers with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is not optional—it’s mandatory.
At Coursemology.sg, we get this question a lot:
“My staff completed the Food Safety Course—do I need to register them with SFA?”
Short answer: Yes. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to do it right, based on the latest info from the SFA website.
What Is a Food Handler?
A food handler is anyone who prepares, cooks, handles, or serves food in a licensed food establishment in Singapore. This includes hawker stall workers, kitchen staff, and catering crew.
If you hire someone who handles food, it’s your legal responsibility to:
- Send them for food hygiene training
- Register them with SFA
Step 1: Get Certified with WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1
To qualify as a food handler, your staff must complete the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 (formerly known as the Basic Food Hygiene Course).
This course aims to equip food handlers of both retail and non-retail food establishments with the knowledge and application skills:
- ✔ To follow food safety and hygiene procedures and policies
- ✔ To maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of premises
Participants who fulfil all requirements will be certified with a Statement of Attainment (SOA) issued by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). SOA will be reflected as FSS-FRC-1004-1.1 Food Safety and Hygiene-1.
🗓️ Coursemology offers this course daily in both English and Chinese across three training centres: Toa Payoh Central, Jurong East Central, Tampines Central
Step 2: Ensure you can log in GoBusiness Portal or Food Handlers Digital Hub (FHD2H)
To register your food handlers with SFA, you’ll need to log in to either the GoBusiness portal or the FHD2H system.
- If the licence is under your personal name, log in using your SingPass.
- If the licence is registered under a business, an authorised person must use CorpPass to manage food handler registrations.
Only employers or licensees—not the food handler themselves—can update SFA records.
Step 3: Get your Food Handlers to update their photo into FHD2H
After your food handlers complete the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1, their training records will be automatically shared by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA)—usually within 2 weeks.
Once the data is synced, your food handlers must:
- Log in to the FHD2H system
- Upload a clear, recent personal photo to complete their registration
📄 Why it matters: A proper photo helps SFA validate and approve the food handler’s registration under your licence. It also allows them to verify that your food handler is trained and certified in WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1. Incomplete or missing photo uploads may result in delays to the registration process.
💡 Need help? Follow this step-by-step guide on How to Update a Food Handler’s Personal Photo in SFA’s Food Handler Digital Data Hub (FHD2H).
Step 4: Update Your List of Food Handlers via GoBusiness
Once your food handlers have completed the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 and uploaded their photo to FHD2H, it’s time to officially register them under your SFA licence.
Log in to the GoBusiness Licensing portal, then:
- Click on “Amend Food Handler Details”
- Enter your staff’s full name and NRIC/FIN
- The system will automatically verify their certification with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)
✔ Once submitted, your food handler will be officially registered under your licence and reflected in SFA’s system.
💡 Tip: Double-check names and NRIC/FIN to avoid delays due to mismatched records.
Step 5: Keep Your Records Up to Date
- ✔ Add new food handlers as they join
- ❌ Remove names of those who leave
- 🔄 Renew certification — Food Handlers must also attend WSQ FSC Level 1 (Refresher) at certain key timelines to continue handling and preparing food, as detailed in the table below.
| Food Hygiene Refresher Training | Compliance |
|---|---|
| 1st refresher training | Within 5 years from the date of initially passing the WSQ FSC Level 1 |
| 2nd and subsequent refresher training | Every 10 years from the date of passing the previous refresher training |
🗓️ Coursemology also offers Refresher course in both English and Chinese across three training centres: Toa Payoh Central, Jurong East Central, Tampines Central.
Why Registering Food Handlers Matters
Failing to register certified food handlers can lead to:
- SFA enforcement actions
- Suspension of your food business licence
- Reputational damage
So don’t leave it to chance. Register your team early, and stay compliant.
Bookmark this guide, share it with your HR team, and visit Coursemology to book your next training session.
Source: Singapore Food Agency – Food Handler Requirements (2025)
