Singapore contacts Thai authorities, importers over planned egg export cuts: SFA
Thailand accounts for less than 15 per cent of Singapore's egg supply, the agency said.
People buying eggs at a supermarket in Singapore on Mar 17, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Edgar Su)
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SINGAPORE: The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has contacted the Thai authorities and engaged importers here after Thailand asked firms to cut egg exports by 30 per cent to 50 per cent until December following flood-related losses.
SFA said in a response to CNA queries on Tuesday (Oct 6) that it was monitoring developments.
Less than 15 per cent of Singapore's egg supply comes from Thailand, the agency said.
SFA described Singapore's egg supply as "well-diversified", with imports from more than 10 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia and Ukraine.
"The industry is able to obtain its supply of eggs from other sources if necessary," it said, adding that egg production in Singapore also provides an additional source of supply during disruptions.
Sheng Siong supermarket said on Wednesday that it does not import eggs from Thailand.
"Our egg supply and prices remain stable for now and we are monitoring the situation closely with our suppliers," it added.
Supermarket chain Cold Storage told CNA on Wednesday that it does not carry fresh eggs from Thailand and that it sources them from a diversified network of suppliers across multiple countries.
"This diversified sourcing strategy ensures that any supply shortfall from a particular origin is effectively mitigated and does not affect our ability to maintain a stable supply of fresh eggs in our supermarket," it added.
In response to CNA's queries, FairPrice Group said it sourced fresh eggs from suppliers across multiple markets, "including local farms".
FairPrice Group includes NTUC FairPrice supermarkets, Cheers convenience stores and some other outlets.
A FairPrice Group spokesperson on Wednesday said that it is working with its suppliers to monitor the situation.
The group is also exploring alternative sourcing options to ensure continuity of supply and remains "committed to keeping eggs and other daily essentials within reach for all Singaporeans", the spokesperson added.
CNA has also asked Giant supermarkets whether their egg supplies from Thailand have been affected and if they are seeking alternative sources.
Thailand's planned egg export cuts followed heavy flooding across the nation in recent weeks that killed about three million hens and disrupted egg supplies.
Thailand exported 1.7 billion baht (US$50.46 million) worth of eggs last year, with Singapore accounting for 79 per cent of the total, Thai agriculture ministry data showed.
SFA said: "Global food supplies will continue to face uncertainties and food supply disruptions may occur from time to time."
"While the government will do what we can to minimise the impact, we will not be able to completely mitigate disruptions to our food supply," it added.
SFA encouraged the food industry here to diversify its sources and consumers to remain flexible in their food choices in the event of disruptions.
