THE Singapore Food Agency (SFA) seized around 1.5 tonnes of illegally imported fresh produce and processed food from Malaysia after a joint operation with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) earlier this week.
SFA and ICA, in a joint statement, said the inspection was conducted on March 25 and 26 on vegetable delivery trucks that typically transport produce for direct distribution to retailers and customers entering Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint.
ICA officers referred two trucks to SFA for further checks due to discrepancies in the transported consignment.
“SFA found approximately 1.5 tonnes of undeclared and under-declared produce such as bayam, cili padi, spring onion, brinjal, peeled garlic and cut cabbage brought in by three importers in the two trucks. All the illegally imported produce were seized,” the agencies said.
In Singapore, food imported into the country must meet SFA’s requirements.
Fruits and vegetables can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied by a valid import permit.
Offenders who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables face a maximum fine of S$10,000 (RM35,100) and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.
Those who illegally import processed fruits and vegetables can be fined not exceeding S$1,000 and in the case of a subsequent conviction, a fine not exceeding S$2,000. – March 29, 2024
Main photo credit: SFA
