Minimart fined for illegal import of food products from Myanmar, having unlabelled raw meat for sale

A provision shop operator was fined $10,000 by the court on Friday (Nov 11) for importing seafood and meat products illegally from Myanmar.

Travelling Art was also fined $4,000 for possessing raw meat for sale which were not labelled.

In November last year, Singapore Food Agency (SFA) officers inspected the Ubi Avenue 1 minimart and seized 142.69kg of seafood and meat products, such as assorted shrimp paste and canned meat, which did not have a valid import permit.

At the same time, another 39kg of raw chicken, beef and pork were also seized. The raw meats were repacked into smaller packets without affixing any labels and were intended for sale.

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

Under the Wholesome Meat and Fish Act, offenders who illegally import meat or fish products, or possess meat items for sale which are not labelled in the prescribed manner shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not more than two years.