Importer fined $3,500 for illegally importing 250kg of fresh vegetables

An importer was fined $3,500 on Friday (May 28) for illegally importing fresh vegetables for sale.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said its officers had detected 250kg of undeclared fresh vegetables in the consignments imported from Malaysia by Pang Hoi, the licensee of Pang Hoi Vegetables and Fruits Traders, in August 2020.

All the illegal consignments were seized.

"In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA's requirements," reminded the agency.

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

"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 who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables may face a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or a jail term of up to three years.