What do we think of when AVA comes to mind?
I do sincerely hope that it is not our primary school’s AVA room, but our government agency. I also truly hope that we all know that the agency exists.
Or to be exact, existed.
Advertisements
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) used to oversee an endless number of issues — from animal and plant health to food safety and its trading sectors.
It resembles an incompatible couple who dread each other’s presence. After filing a divorce though, they are better off.
AVA Officially Don’t Exist Anymore
As of 1 April 2019 (I swear it’s not a joke), AVA is officially separated into Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). Although they run solo now, they still can form the letters AVA; is this love?
Personally, I think that it’s a good idea.
Think about discussing tortured and abused pets one moment and talking about food the next. It’s not the best idea no matter how you look at it.
But that is not the reason for separation, of course.
In light of climate change (yes, the very one that Trump denounced), our food supply is potentially at risk. Just like us, plants hate unpredictable raining patterns.
AVS remains to be the place where all complaints regarding animals and pets go; but the one who gets a huge overhaul isn’t AVS, it’s SFA.
What happened to it?
SFA not only brought in authorities from AVA; it also recruited the help of National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Advertisements
Essentially, the government has decided to handle food matters more comprehensively by synergising the specialities of several different agencies. Granted, they have always been working alongside each other but bringing them together increases efficiency, does it not?
Imagine doing a group project through Skype compared to having a gathering. You’ll never know if your group mate is perusing k-pop idols’ photos or actually contributing!
Evidently, we need all hands on deck when ensuring food security and safety; we don’t want another fried cockroach in our meal or insects in our breakfast, after all.
Now, we are all clear where to bring our complaints for each occasion.
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
