The Organic Food Movement in Singapore
In recent years Singapore has welcomed a new wave of food consumption. Organic foods are now part and parcel of Singapore’s diet. But what are organic foods and why are they different?
Organic Certification
Organic refers to the methods of production. In order to be certified as organic, according to the law in Singapore, food has to be cultivated naturally, free of synthetic fertilizers, insecticides or pesticides. Food cannot be processed using synthetic products or additives as well. An inspection by certifying bodies such as Quality Assurance International has to be passed before the label of organic can be awarded to food in Singapore. Food mislabeled without following the appropriate regulations may be liable to consumer protection laws.
Why Organic Foods Are Better For Your Health
Decreased Exposure To Contaminants
Organic food is free of harmful substances such as pesticides, solvents and other chemical residue. Pesticides, when consumed regularly in food substances, is toxic to humans and has been linked to adverse side effects such as Asthma, Parkinson’s disease, Anxiety and even Cancer. The lack of harmful substances in the production of organic food guarantees that such contaminants will not be ingested by humans, allowing you to trust that your diet is nothing but nutritious for you.
Reduced Intake Of Hormones And Antibiotics
In conventional farming, growth hormones and antibiotics are used to accelerate the rate of production for better yields. Such growth hormones have been said to increase risk of breast and prostate cancer in humans. The added quantity of hormones can even trigger earlier occurrences of puberty in young children. Excessive use of antibiotics may also result in the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria in our bodies that could complicate our immune system. Organic farming ensures that your exposure to added hormones and antibiotics will be significantly reduced.
Better Quality
Organic food is the best you can provide for your family if you value nutrition. When paying for organic products, you are also paying for the extra care taken by farmers to handle your food. Studies conducted by a French cancer specialist have shown that due to the complete lack of pesticides, solvents and various synthetic contaminants, organic foods have higher levels of nutrients such as vitamin A and C as well as increased levels of zinc, calcium and fibre. Without preservatives, organic foods also tend to be fresher.
What Nature Has To Offer
Organic labels aside, what matters most is you enjoy a healthy and balanced diet with the best that nature has to offer. We have compiled a list of Singapore’s Top Organic food markets that can guarantee just that. Explore new options for your diet and try organic today!
Company |
Fairprice Finest |
| Specialty | Wide range of organic produce, including house brand “Pasar Organic” |
| Website | https://www.fairprice.com.sg/ |
| Address | 78 Airport Boulevard #B2-205 to 208 Jewel, Singapore Changi Airport, 819666 |
| Telephone | +65 6245 8663 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 11pm |
Company |
Little Farms |
| Specialty | Delicious Clean Whole Foods From Around The World |
| Website | https://littlefarms.com/ |
| Address | 491 River Valley Rd, #01-20, Singapore 248371 |
| Telephone | +65 6262 0619 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 9:30pm |
Company |
Straits Market – Organic Food Singapore |
| Specialty | 24 hour organic grocer with next day delivery |
| Website | https://www.straitsmarket.com/ |
| Address | 2 Kim Chuan Dr, Singapore 537080 |
| Telephone | +65 9643 5358 |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 Hours |
Company |
Zenxin Organic Food Singapore |
| Specialty | Largest variety of organic food offerings—200 types of fresh produce |
| Website | https://zenxin.com.sg/ |
| Address | Blk14 Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre #01-25, Singapore 110014 |
| Telephone | +65 6778 7369 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday : 8.00am-6.00pm |
Company |
SuperNature |
| Specialty | 95% of their products are organic, certified by renowned certification bodies such as the USDA (United State of Department of Agriculture), and the Soil Association (UK) |
| Website | https://supernature.com.sg/ |
| Address | 583 Orchard Rd, B1-05/09, Singapore 238884 |
| Telephone | +65 6854 7399 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 10am – 7.30pm |
Company |
Eat Organic Pte Ltd |
| Specialty | Eat Organic is now a leading organic retailer in Singapore, and boasts a wide selection of fresh organic groceries available daily, sourced both locally and internationally. |
| Website | http://eat-organic.com.sg/ |
| Address | 619H Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 269728 |
| Telephone | +65 6219 7156 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Saturday: 10 am – 7pm
Sunday / Public Holidays: 11am – 4pm |
Company |
Brown Rice Paradise Pte Ltd |
| Specialty | Wide selection of items from healthy snacks and breakfast cereal, to household and personal care products. |
| Website | https://www.brownriceparadise.com/ |
| Address | 163 Tanglin Rd, #02-35, Singapore 247933 |
| Telephone | +65 6738 1121 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday : 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
Company |
Nontoxic Wellness |
| Website | http://www.nontoxic.sg/ |
| Address | 390 Victoria St , #02-30 Golden Landmark, 188061 |
| Telephone | +65 6292 2991 |
| Operating Hours |
Monday – Friday : 11:30am–7:30pm Saturday : 11:30am–6:30pm Sunday : 12:30–5:30pm |
Company |
Ryan’s Grocery |
| Specialty | Ryan’s Grocery procures a comprehensive range of the highest quality offerings – from seasonal organic vegetables, to organic and free-range meats, and gourmet cheeses |
| Website | https://www.ryansgrocery.com/ |
| Address | 29 Binjai Park, Singapore 589831 |
| Telephone | +65 6463 3933 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 9:00am – 6:00pm |
Company |
KBL Organic & Vegetarian Supermarket |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/KBLOrganicNVegetarianSupermarket/ |
| Address | 406 Tampines Street 41, #01-25, Singapore 520406 |
| Telephone | +65 6787 9311 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 8AM – 8PM |
Company |
Himalayan Premium Foods |
| Specialty | Organic vegetables, groceries, oils, beans and many more, all harvested and grown in Nepal |
| Website | http://himalayanpremiumfoods.com/ |
| Address | 3 Coleman Street, #4-27 Peninsula shopping centre, 179804 |
| Telephone | +65 8811 2023 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 10 AM – 7PM |
Company |
Nature’s Glory |
| Specialty | Pioneers of the organic food movement in Singapore and one of the first few grocery companies to be certified from 2008 |
| Website | https://www.natures-glory.com/ |
| Address | 37 Jln Pemimpin, #08-16, Singapore 577177 |
| Telephone | +65 6227 1318 |
| Operating Hours | Monday : 9.30am to 2.30pm
Tuesday – Saturday : 9.30am to 6.30pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays |
Company |
That Health Shop |
| Specialty | Wide range of natural or organic products from these categories: Supplements, Organic and Natural Health products, bath and beauty, groceries and fresh produce. |
| Website | https://www.thathealthshop.com/ |
| Address | 11 Collyer Quay, #03-05, Singapore 049317 |
| Telephone | +65 9733 1850 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 9am-5pm |
Company |
VitaKids |
| Specialty | Wide range of trusted health supplement and natural remedy brands, great-tasting natural/organic foods, gentle personal care products and eco-friendly household cleaning agents |
| Website | http://www.vitakids.biz/ |
| Address | 10 Tampines Central 1, #03-22, Singapore 529536 |
| Telephone | +65 6509 8371 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 11.00am to 8.30pm |
Company |
The Frank Food Company |
| Specialty | Certified organic vegetables from organic farms in Lake Toba to Singapore |
| Website | https://www.frankfoodcompany.com/ |
| Address | 9 St Thomas Walk, Singapore 238101 |
| Telephone | +65 87513879 |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 Hours |
Company |
Yes Natural |
| Specialty | Comprehensive selection of certified organic and natural products, free from additives, colourings and preservatives |
| Website | https://www.yesnatural.sg/ |
| Address | 51 Lor 27 Geylang, Singapore 388181 |
| Telephone | +65 6287 6929 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 9:30AM – 9:30PM |
Company |
Taste Original |
| Website | https://tasteoriginal.com.sg/ |
| Address | 1 Maritime Square, #03-57 Harbourfront Centre, Singapore 099253 |
| Telephone | +65 6274 5852 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 11AM – 8PM |
Company |
Two Sisters Pantry |
| Specialty | A variety of high quality certified organic food products that are mainly imported from Australia and New Zealand |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/TwoSistersPantry |
| Address | 50 East Coast Road, #01-43 Roxy Square Singapore 428769 |
| Telephone | +65 9655 8875 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 11:00AM – 6:00PM |
Company |
Scoop Wholefoods |
| Specialty | Wide range of Australian produce as well as premium wholefoods from around the world. |
| Website | https://sg.scoopwholefoods.com/ |
| Address | #02-17/ 18, 163 Tanglin Rd Singapore 247933 |
| Telephone | +65 6235 2739 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm |
Company |
The Source Bulk Foods |
| Specialty | Zero packaging bulk wholefoods, healthy snacks and organic goodies. |
| Website | http://thesourcebulkfoods.com.sg/ |
| Address | 1 Kim Seng Promenade #B1-142/143 Great World City, 237994 |
| Telephone | +65 8894 5461 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Sunday: 10:00AM – 10:00PM |
Environmental Benefits Of Organic Farming Over Conventional Farming
Organic farming methods are more environmentally sustainable compared to conventional farming. Industrial farming depends on various inputs which require the use of scarce or unsustainable resources. Almost 70 percent of the world’s freshwater is channeled towards irrigation. The lack of minerals in the soil for fast growth and mass production necessitates bags of synthetic fertilizers to enhance the mineral composition of the soil. If crop infestation serves as a problem, pesticides and insecticides are sprayed heavily on fresh produce. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, six billion pounds of pesticides are used worldwide by farming industries. The sheer amount of pesticides used contributes to high risk of water, soil and even air pollution, which is toxic to not only humans but the surrounding flora and fauna as well. As such, the strict regulations that monitor resource and pesticide use, makes organic farming a great proponent of sustainability.
Make informed choices
If you are looking for the best for your family and yourself, organic foods are what you need on your dinner table. Here are 5 foods you need to replace with organic alternatives, according to studies conducted by the Environmental Working Group:
Strawberries
Strawberries take the top spot as the most pesticide contaminated produce. Studies by the United States Department of Agriculture shows that nearly 99 percent of all conventionally produced strawberries are contaminated by at least one pesticide while at least 30 percent have the residue of at least 5 different types of insecticides. When it comes to strawberries, it is best to get them from organic, contaminant-free sources.
Kale
Nearly 60 percent of conventionally farmed kale has been recorded to possess residue of a possible cancer-causing substance called Dacthal. The use of this human carcinogen has been banned by the European Union but it is still used in kale production in the United States. Fortunately, it is easy to get fresh organic kale in Singapore. Brands such as “Pasar Organic” carry a wide range of organic leafy greens that are accessible and affordable.
Apples
Apples contain an average of 4.4 different types of pesticide residue. Almost 80 percent of conventional apples are drenched in a chemical treatment known as Diphenylamine in order to prevent their skin from turning patchy whilst in cold storage. Since apples have a thin peel, Diphenylamine easily seeps into the fruits and is almost impossible to remove before consumption. Not to worry! An apple a day still keeps the doctor away, as long as you get them from organic sources.
Spinach
75 Percent of sample spinach tested were shown to have a neurotoxic insecticide that has been banned in Europe. This neurotoxin, Permethrin, is said to cause tremors and seizures when ingested in high doses. Since spinach is lighter than most fruits and vegetables, it contains more residues of pesticides and contaminants by weight than all other produce tested. It is safe to say that with spinach, organic is the way to go.
Oats
In addition to containing residue of more than 500 different pesticides, Oats also contains Glyphosate. This toxic chemical is known to elevate the risk of cancer. Tests conducted by the Environmental Working Group have shown that more than 95 percent of oat based products, including children’s cereal contains Glyphosate. It is best to stick to organic oats products to ensure that your children are risk free.
Editor’s Note:
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