More than 300kg of illegally imported food, including insect products, seized in raids

SINGAPORE – More than 300kg of illegally imported food from Thailand were seized in raids by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Sept 24.

The raids were conducted at five food retail establishments at City Gate and Golden Mile Tower in Beach Road, the agency said on Oct 9.

At four of these establishments, SFA officers found illegally imported processed and raw meat, as well as insect products, being sold. These included chicken, beef, pork and insects such as beetles and snails.

Two of the food retail establishments were also found to be operating without valid licences.

SFA is following up with further investigations.

In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA’s requirements, as illegally imported food products of unknown sources may pose a food safety risk.

Food can be brought into Singapore only by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied by a valid import permit, the agency said.

Additionally, meat and meat-related products can be imported only from accredited sources in approved countries that comply with the Republic’s food safety requirements.

Those convicted of possessing meat and seafood products imported without a valid permit for the purpose of selling can be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.

Repeat offenders can be fined up to $100,000, jailed for up to three years, or both.

SFA said the operation of unlicensed food establishments also poses a food safety risk.

“In Singapore, all food establishments must be licensed and are required to meet SFA’s requirements and food safety standards,” it added.

Those who operate food establishments without a valid licence can be fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $20,000, jailed for up to three months, or both.