Updated: 03/01/2013 07:45

Stricter penalty for food outlets from 1 March

From tomorrow, coffeeshops, food courts and canteens will be subjected to a tougher demerit point system for lapses in cleanliness.

Those who chalk up 12 demerits points within 12 months for cleanliness and hygience lapses, will have their operations suspended.

Currently, this only happens if they chalk up 24 demerit points.

The National Environment Agency said the move aims to get stallholders to up their overall hygiene standards and ensure food safety for Singaporeans.

It said it will also increase inspections in food outlets with poor track records to raise their cleanliness and hygiene standards.