Company fined $5,000 for illegally importing 180kg of vegetables from Malaysia

An importer has been fined $5,000 for illegally importing fresh vegetables for sale.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a statement that its officers detected 180kg of undeclared fresh vegetables in consignments imported from Malaysia by SM Vegetables Pte Ltd in July 2020.

All the illegal consignments were seized.

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," SFA said.

Illegally imported vegetables are of unknown sources and can pose a food safety risk.

For example, when unregulated or high level of pesticides are used, 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.

Offenders who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables shall be liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or up to three years' jail.