First, it was fish. Now, it’s fruits and vegetables.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will be closing the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre (PPWC) for 3 days from Monday, 27 September at 3pm to carry out deep cleaning and disinfection, after COVID-19 cases were detected amongst persons working at and visiting the premises.
Based on yesterday’s COVID-19 report, the wholesale centre wasn’t a cluster that MOH was monitoring. Yet.
SFA will enhance the Safe Management Measures (SMMs) at PPWC prior to its reopening on 30 September 2021. Also, the frequency of testing for all persons working at PPWC will be increased, from a 14-day regime to a 7-day regime.
The On Arrival-Testing for trade visitors will continue. All tenants and workers will also be tested before they return to PPWC.
Supply of Fruits and Vegetables Will be Affected
Approximately 30% and 50% of Singapore’s fruits and vegetables imports are handled at PPWC respectively, so the closure would cause some disruption to the supply of these produce.
However, this will be only for a very short period as fruits and vegetables stalls at wet markets are usually closed on Mondays.
SFA is working closely with stakeholders, such as fruits and vegetables associations, affected merchants, as well as importers and retailers, to minimise the impact on our food supply from the temporary closure of PPWC.
Major supermarkets are also making efforts to increase their stocks of fruits and vegetables.
SFA urges consumers not to rush to purchase fruits and vegetables during this period and they should only buy what they need.
Singapore currently imports food from more than 170 countries/regions. To ensure the resilience of our food supply, we have adopted a multi-pronged strategy including import diversification, growing overseas and local production.
Watch this video to the end and you’d understand why you won’t need to buy 300 apples today:
The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore, Grace Fu, also urged people not to rush out to buy fruits and vegetables, adding that there is ample supply for everyone.
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Featured Image: Makhh / Shutterstock.com
