If you’re running a licensed food business in Singapore, appointing a qualified Food Hygiene Officer (FHO) is not only a regulatory requirement for certain establishments—it’s also a smart step to protect your customers and brand reputation.
At Coursemology.sg, we help businesses meet SFA requirements with our WSQ-certified food safety training courses. Here’s everything you need to know about what FHOs do, who qualifies, and how to register them with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
What is a Food Hygiene Officer (FHO)
Food Hygiene Officers (FHOs) are supervisory personnel who oversee and implement effective food hygiene measures in licensed food establishments. Their primary goal is to ensure food is prepared safely and hygienically at all times.
FHOs assist licensees by:
- Establishing, monitoring, and maintaining proper food safety systems
- Conducting regular hygiene checks on the premises
- Educating food handlers on food safety practices and personal hygiene
- Reminding staff to adhere to hygiene protocols during daily operations
They serve as your in-house food safety champions—ensuring your team consistently meets SFA standards between official inspections.
Who Qualifies to Be an FHO?
To register as an FHO, the candidate must be supervisory-level staff, such as:
- Chief chefs
- Sous chefs
- Restaurant managers
- Operations managers
- Kitchen supervisors
They must successfully complete the WSQ Food Safety Course (FSC) Level 3, which is a one-time certification.
What Are the Roles and Duties of FHOs?
FHOs act as food safety checkers for your premises between official inspections. They are responsible for:
- Implementing systems and conducting regular checks to ensure food handlers practise good food and personal hygiene
- Educating and reminding staff to follow proper hygiene procedures
- Identifying lapses in food safety and taking prompt corrective action
SFA also provides a sample food safety checklist that FHOs can adapt to conduct routine inspections specific to your establishment’s needs.
What Are the Benefits of Having an FHO?
Foodborne incidents can lead to license suspensions, downgrades, or even irreversible reputational damage. An active and well-trained FHO helps prevent these by:
- Monitoring food safety standards closely
- Identifying and addressing risks before issues arise
- Helping licensees maintain a strong food safety track record
In short, FHOs protect both your customers and your business.
How to Register an FHO with SFA: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Ensure the Candidate Has Completed WSQ FSC Level 3
Only candidates who’ve passed the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 3 can be registered as FHOs.
The WSQ Food Safety Course Level 3 (FSC Level 3) is specially designed to equip Food Hygiene Officers with both theoretical knowledge and practical auditing skills needed to uphold food safety standards in your establishment.
Candidates who fulfil all training requirements will be certified with a Statement of Attainment (SOA) issued by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). SOA will be reflected as FSS-FRC-3004-1.1 Food Safety and Hygiene-3
WSQ FSC Level 3 is a one-time certification with no expiry date.
🆕 Note: WSQ FSC Level 3 has replaced the former WSQ Conduct Food & Beverage Hygiene Audit course.
🗓️ Coursemology offers this course 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 to register FHOs
To register your FHOs with SFA, you’ll need to log in to the GoBusiness portal.
- If the license is under your personal name, log in using your SingPass.
- If the license is registered under a business, an authorised person must use CorpPass to manage food handler registrations.
Only employers or licensees can update SFA records.
Step 3: Submit the Application via GoBusiness to Update your License
After your FHO has received their course certificate from the training provider, log in to the GoBusiness Portal:
- Select your food license
- Click on “Amend Food Hygiene Officer Details”
- Input the FHO’s full name, NRIC/FIN, and contact info
- Submit for registration
Your FHO’s training data will be in the system about 2 weeks after the date of passing the course.
Once you submit the form successfully, your license will be updated in the system.
Note:
Remember: Each FHO should only be deployed and registered with 1 establishment and cannot be registered with multiple establishments.
Additional Training Requirements for FHOs Who Handle Food
If your Food Hygiene Officer is also directly involved in food handling activities, they must meet ongoing training requirements to remain compliant with SFA regulations.
Here’s what FHOs who also act as food handlers need to know:
| Food Handler Training | Compliance |
|---|---|
| First refresher training requirement: To attain either WSQ FSC Level 1 or Level 2 | Within 5 years from the date of initially passing the WSQ FSC Level 3 |
| 2nd and subsequent refresher training: To attain either WSQ FSC Level 1 or Level 2 | Every 10 years from the date of passing the previous refresher training |
Why Registering Food Hygiene Officer Matter
Failing to register certified food hygiene officer can lead to:
- SFA enforcement actions
- Suspension of your food business license
- 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 Hygiene Officers Requirements (2025)
