Importer fined $28k for illegally importing frozen oyster meat and salted duck egg yolk

An importer, Sigma Food Pte Ltd was fined a total of $28,000 on Wednesday (July 14) for illegally bringing in 612.5kg of frozen oyster meat and 90kg of salted duck egg yolk from Malaysia.

Based on information received, officers from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) found 42 cartons of undeclared frozen oyster meat during an inspection at Sigma Food Pte. Ltd.’s cold store in December 2019.

Another 8kg of frozen oyster meat was found at its retail shop.

The illegal consignments were seized.

During investigations, SFA found that Sigma Food Pte Ltd had brought in a total of four shipments of undeclared frozen oyster meat from Malaysia from October to November 2019.

"It also imported 90kg of frozen salted duck egg yolk from Malaysia for sale without a valid licence," SFA added.

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

SFA said: "Food can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit.

"Illegally imported food products are of unknown sources and poses food safety risk.

"Eggs and their products can only be imported from accredited sources in approved countries that comply with our food safety standards and requirements."

Offenders who illegally import seafood products shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and a jail term of up to two years.

Offenders who illegally import egg products shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or up ot one year in jail.

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