More than 6 tonnes of illegally imported food seized following multiple raids
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) seized about 6.8 tonnes of illegally imported food from Thailand and Myanmar, following raids conducted between 11 to 13 May 2023 at multiple locations, including an industrial building at Mandai Link and food retail establishments in Textile Centre and Peninsular Plaza.
2 SFA officers found large quantities of processed and raw meat as well as insect products, including beef, pork, chicken, mutton, pig’s blood and silkworms, in a vehicle near the Mandai Link industrial building.
These food products had been illegally imported from Thailand without a valid licence. Two permanent residents were also found operating an unlicensed cold store with 3 freezers in a warehouse at the industrial building.
3 During raids conducted at nine food retail establishments in Textile Centre and Peninsula Plaza, SFA officers detected the sale of illegally imported processed and raw meat as well as insect products from Thailand and Myanmar at eight of them.
These include duck, pork, mutton, and crickets. Three of the food retail establishments were also found to be operating without a valid licence.
4 SFA is following up with further investigations.
5 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.
6 Operation of unlicensed food establishments, as well as illegal storage of meat and seafood at unlicensed facilities, also pose a food safety risk.
In Singapore, all food establishments and cold stores for meat and seafood products must be licensed and are required to meet SFA’s requirements and food safety standards.
Offenders who operate food establishments without a valid licence shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000. In the case of a subsequent conviction, offenders shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three months.
Offenders who store meat and/or seafood
products in unlicensed facilities shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months.
7 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
17 May 2023