More than two tonnes of illegally imported food, alcohol, and medicines seized following raid
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) seized about 2.2 tonnes of illegally imported food from Vietnam, following a raid at an old industrial building in Senoko on 13 April (Thursday).
SFA officers found large quantities of processed and raw meat and seafood, including frozen pork, beef, chicken, fish and frog, all of which had been illegally imported from unapproved sources and without a valid licence. A female permanent resident was also found operating the warehouse, part of which was also used as an unlicensed cold store with 7 chest freezers and 2 chillers.
Besides food, 470 bottles of alcohol, and an assortment of medicines was also found. These were referred to Singapore Customs and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) respectively.
SFA, Singapore Customs, and HSA are following up with further investigations.
Illegally imported food products of unknown sources can pose a food safety risk. In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA’s requirements. Food can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit. In addition, meat and its products can only be
imported from accredited sources in approved countries that comply with Singapore’s food safety requirements. Offenders found in possession of meat and seafood products for the purpose of selling, which were imported without a valid import permit shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not exceeding $50,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years. In the case of a subsequent conviction, offenders shall be liable to
a fine not exceeding $100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three years.
Illegal storage of meat and seafood at unlicensed facilities also poses a fooD safety risk. In Singapore, all cold stores for meat and seafood products must be licensed and are required to meet SFA’s requirements and food safety standards. Offenders who store meat and/or seafood products in unlicensed facilities shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
Members of the public with information on such illegal activities are requested to provide feedback via our online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback) with details for our follow-up investigations. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Issued by the Singapore Food Agency
15 April 2023