FDA Orders Immediate Closure of Unlicensed Food Vendors (No Permit, No Business from Feb 1)
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has ordered all food service businesses that don’t have a valid Food Hygiene Permit to close right away, starting on February 1, 2026. Section 130(1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) says that unregistered businesses can’t make, sell, supply, or store regulated products. This includes lounges, hotels, “chop bars,” bakeries, school canteens, online food vendors, and food vans. The FDA warned in a public notice that “All food service establishments operating without a valid Food Hygiene Permit will be closed down.” It also said that closures are not temporary and violators will stay locked up until they pass the formal inspection and get a permit. The FDA said, “This measure is intended to safeguard public health and ensure food safety standards,” and urged unregistered operators to apply right away. This is because there are growing concerns about foodborne illnesses and unregulated “ghost kitchens.” Customers should look for the FDA Food Hygiene Permit sticker, and operators can get their status back in order through regional offices or official online channels.
