Insurance for Food & Beverage

Insurance for Food & Beverage Companies

The F&B industry in Singapore operates in a challenging environment — thin margins, high staff turnover, strict food safety regulations from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and physical risks inherent to kitchen operations. Insurance isn't an afterthought for F&B businesses; it's a core part of responsible operations.

A single food safety incident can cascade into customer injury claims, SFA investigations, forced closures, and social media crises that damage your reputation overnight. A kitchen fire — one of the most common incidents in the sector — can destroy your entire premises and shut you down for months. With the right insurance in place, these events become manageable setbacks instead of business-ending disasters.

Common Risks

Food contamination and customer illness. A customer suffers a severe allergic reaction. A batch of food is contaminated and multiple diners fall ill. These scenarios trigger public liability claims, potential SFA enforcement action, and media scrutiny. Public liability insurance with products liability cover is essential for every F&B operation.

Kitchen fires. Grease fires, gas leaks, and electrical faults are a constant risk in commercial kitchens. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) data consistently shows food establishments among the highest-frequency fire locations. A serious fire can destroy your premises, equipment, stock, and renovation — all of which need to be covered.

Slip-and-fall injuries. Wet floors, narrow corridors, and heavy foot traffic mean customer injuries are a regular occurrence. A customer who breaks a bone after slipping in your restaurant can file a claim that runs into tens of thousands of dollars. Staff injuries from similar causes are covered under WICA.

Forced business closure. Whether it's a fire, pest infestation, or SFA suspension, any event that forces you to close temporarily can be devastating on thin F&B margins. Business interruption insurance covers your lost revenue and ongoing costs (rent, salaries) while you're unable to trade.