- SK Retail Pte Ltd fined S$4,800 for running an unlicensed cold store.
- Director Kwon Young Soo fined S$4,800 for failing to prevent the offence.
- Htun Naing Thaung fined S$7,000 for illegal meat import from Myanmar.
1 company and 2 individuals face hefty fines for breaking Singapore’s strict food safety laws.
Illegal Cold Store Operation Uncovered
On 8 October 2024, the Court fined SK Retail Pte Ltd S$4,800 for running an unlicensed cold store.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) found the illegal cold store on 16 May 2023.
It was at 30 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 5.
The cold store had meat and seafood products for sale.
SFA officers seized about 207 kg of these products.
Company | Fine Amount | Offence |
---|---|---|
SK Retail Pte Ltd | S$4,800 | Operating unlicensed cold store |
Kwon Young Soo (Director) | S$4,800 | Failing to prevent offence |
Director Also Fined
Kwon Young Soo, the director of SK Retail Pte Ltd, was also fined S$4,800.
He failed to stop the company from breaking the law.
This shows that company leaders are responsible for following food safety rules.
The SFA takes these violations seriously to protect public health.
In other news, the SFA has been active in confiscating illegal produce to ensure food safety.
Illegal Meat Import Case
In a related case, Htun Naing Thaung was fined S$7,000 for illegally importing meat.
He brought in over 50 kg of meat products from Myanmar without a permit.
This happened on 13 May 2023.
The illegal items included various types of sausages and raw chicken.
- Pork sausages
- Chicken sausages
- Beef sausages
- Mutton sausages
- Raw chicken
Importance of Food Safety Regulations
According to the SFA, “Illegal storage of meat and seafood at unlicensed facilities poses a food safety risk.”
This statement highlights why these laws are important.
Cold stores for meat and seafood need a valid licence to operate.
This ensures they follow proper hygiene and temperature rules.
The SFA regularly checks licensed cold stores to make sure they follow these rules.
Similar illegal food import cases have resulted in significant fines in the past.
Penalties for Breaking the Law
The SFA warns, “Offenders found to be possessing any meat or seafood products which have been kept in unlicensed cold stores for the purpose of selling or supplying shall be liable on conviction to a fine…”
First-time offenders can be fined up to S$50,000 or jailed for up to two years.
For repeat offences, the fine can go up to S$100,000 or three years in jail.
These strict penalties show how serious Singapore is about food safety.
The government’s focus on food safety extends to efforts in fish farming to ensure a safe and sustainable food supply.
Strict Import Rules
The SFA states, “In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA’s requirements.”
This means meat can only come from approved countries and sources.
These sources must follow Singapore’s strict food safety standards.
Importers need to get proper permits before bringing in meat products.
This helps ensure that all food in Singapore is safe to eat.
Public Health Concerns
Illegal food storage and imports can lead to foodborne illnesses.
This puts public health at risk.
The SFA’s actions help prevent these risks.
They also serve as a warning to other businesses.
It shows the consequences of not following food safety laws.
The SFA will continue to enforce food safety laws to protect public health in Singapore.