The Centre for Food Safety will launch a pre-statutory voluntary notification scheme for game, meat and poultry importers and distributors from August 1.

The Government is drafting a food safety bill which will require local food importers and distributors to enrol with the centre to facilitate the identification of the importers and distributors, tracing the source of food and taking follow-up action in case of any food incident.

The voluntary scheme will help the trade become familiar with the future mandatory notification requirement. It will also help the centre identify the importers and distributors so that it can enlist their support and co-operation in the event of a food incident.

Importers and distributors are encouraged to notify the centre of their business registration number, address, telephone number and person-in-charge. The list of importers and distributors will be uploaded on to the centre's website. Application forms can be downloaded here.