No Intention To Introduce Central Kitchen Model To All Schools: Jasmin Lau

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has no intention to introduce the central kitchen scheme to all schools, nor do they have a target in mind, said Minister of State for Education Jasmin Lau on Feb. 3.

Speaking in Parliament, Lau said that the scheme was not meant to replace the traditional canteen model.

It is intended only to help schools that are struggling to attract stallholders and have a severe shortage of functioning stalls, she emphasised.

She highlighted the increasing number of schools that are facing vacant canteen stalls, which have left students, especially those with dietary needs, with very limited options.

"In some cases, these students may have to eat the same dish for weeks, and as parents, all of us would want our children to have a better experience," she said.

While MOE provides substantial support to stall holders, Lau said the challenges "go deeper than just costs".

"School canteens have a small customer base and limited business hours due to the school schedules. Elderly stall holders may also start to have regular medical appointments and may not be able to operate their stalls daily.

This is a complex issue with no easy solutions."

Only schools that have difficulty ensuring students have access to healthy, affordable food options will be considered for the central kitchen scheme, she said.

Currently, 13 schools have implemented the model.

As pointed out by Lau, some positive outcomes have been reduced queueing time during the recess period, which leads to more time for play and interactions.

She added that parents have also shared that they now know what their children eat in school and can better support their balanced diet, while teachers commented on the wider range of food options in school.

At the same time, MOE will continue to welcome applications from those interested in operating school canteen stalls, including from private entities, she said.

Food safety and hygiene

Several members of parliament also raised concerns about food safety measures and hygiene standards, in light of a recent slate of gastroenteritis cases in two local primary schools.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) and MOE are still investigating the causes for both incidents, Lau said.

Students were also reminded about good personal hygiene and to rest at home if they are unwell, while parents and caregivers were kept in close communication with schools.

However, she emphasised that "food prepared by central kitchens are not inherently unsafe or less safe".

"Central kitchens are licensed by the Singapore Food Agency, and they are subjected to more frequent inspections," she pointed out.

They are also graded under the SAFE framework, and will be downgraded and inspected more frequently in the event of a major food lapse.

In cases where food safety has been breached, whether in central kitchens or individual stalls, SFA will take immediate enforcement action and require rectifications, Lau added.

This may include a suspension or termination of operations, as well as punitive actions.

At present, food catering operators are limited to serving only four or five schools to maintain performance standards.

Top images via First Sights & Kranji Primary School/FB