Company fined $10,000 for keeping 670kg of meat intended for sale in unlicensed cold store

Halnaz Frozen Goods Pte Ltd was fined $10,000 by the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) for storing 670kg of meat intended for sale in an unlicensed cold storage unit.

AVA launced investigations after receiving a report about an alleged illegal processing of meat in June.

Subsequently, they found that Halnaz Frozen Goods Pte Ltd had rented a unit to store meat, despite not having a license with AVA to operate a cold store for storing meat.

AVA officers found 670kg of raw meat stored within the cold storage unit, which they then seized and destroyed.

A separate charge of operating an unlicensed cold store was also taken into consideration.

Operators of cold stores for the storage of meat and fish are required to obtain a licence from AVA, as proper cold chain management and handling of products is required to ensure food safety.

Offenders who possess meat or fish products which have been kept in unlicensed cold stores for sale or supply, are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 and/or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, offenders can be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years.

Offenders found operating an unlicensed cold store shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.