Food importer fined $2,000 for slicing fish at premises that's not approved for processing activities

A food importer has been fined $2,000 for carrying out food processing activities at an unlicensed premises.

Loch Grocer's director, Lee Chee Hoon, was also fined $2,000 for failing to prevent the offence from being committed.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said during an inspection at Loch Grocer's premises in July, SFA officers found that the slicing of fish was conducted there.

The premises was licensed as a cold store and was not approved for such processing activities.

About 723kg of seafood items and packing materials were seized.

Illegal processing of fish at unlicensed facilities poses a food safety risk, the SFA said.

 In Singapore, all meat and/or fish processing facilities must be licensed, and are required to meet SFA’s requirements and food safety standards.

These licensed establishments are also routinely inspected by SFA.

Offenders who illegally process fish may be fined up to $10,000 or face up to 12 months' jail, or both.