Golden Mile shop owner illegally imported over 965kg of fruit, vegetables and processed food

The owner of Golden Banana House, a produce store in Golden Mile Complex, was fined $7,500 on Thursday (Dec 29) for illegally importing nearly a tonne of fresh produce and processed food products.

Singapore Food Agency (SFA) officers discovered in October 2021 that shop owner Muanglot Radroop had illegally imported over 900kg of undeclared and under-declared fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as 65kg of undeclared processed food from Thailand.

"All the illegal consignments were seized," said SFA in a media release.

In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA’s requirements.

"Fruits and vegetables can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit," reminded the agency.

"Illegally imported vegetables are of unknown sources and can pose a food safety risk (e.g. if 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 found illegally importing fresh fruits and vegetables shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or up to three years in jail.

Those who illegally import processed produce can be fined up to $1,000, and up to $2,000 for subsequent offences.