One tonne of illegally imported fresh and processed food from Malaysia seized: Singapore Food agency

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) seized about one tonne of fresh and processed produce illegally imported from Malaysia during a joint operation with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

In a joint statement on July 23, the two agencies said they conducted the operation on July 17 and 18, where they monitored delivery trucks that are typically used to transport produce and food products intended for direct distribution to retailers and customers.

During the two-day operation, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint discovered discrepancies in the consignment transported by two trucks and referred them to SFA for further checks, the statement said.

SFA later found in those trucks undeclared and under-declared produce, such as bayam, which is also known as Chinese spinach, tomatoes, lady fingers and peeled hairy gourds imported by two importers. All illegally imported produce were seized.

In Singapore, fruits and vegetables can be imported only by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied by a valid import permit.

“Illegally imported vegetables are of unknown sources and can pose a food safety risk if unregulated or high level of pesticides are used,” the statement said.

“The long-term ingestion of excessive pesticide residues through the consumption of vegetables that have been subjected to pesticide abuse could lead to adverse health effects.”

Those found guilty of illegally importing fresh fruits and vegetables can be fined up to S$10,000, jailed for up to three years, or both.

Those found guilty of illegally importing processed fruits and vegetables can be fined up to S$1,000. In the case of a subsequent conviction, they can be fined up to $2,000.

In 2023, 69 importers were fined or prosecuted for violating SFA’s food safety regulations. – The Straits Times/ANN