OurPasar Essentials Pte Ltd, an online grocer, was fined $11,000 by the Court today for storing meat and seafood in an unlicensed cold store and for storing raw meat for sale without a chiller.
Its managing director, Muhammad Shafizan bin Saikh Abdul Kader, was also fined $9,000 for failing to exercise due diligence to prevent the offence from being committed.
2 On 9 February 2021, officers from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) discovered staff from OurPasar Essentials Pte Ltd handling packets of raw meat and seafood laid out on tables without any form of refrigeration.
This included a container of raw chicken wings that was left exposed along the driveway outside the premises. Further investigation found that the company was storing meat and seafood in an unlicensed cold store.
While the company was in the process of applying for a licence, it had not been approved yet. About 312kg of illegally stored meat and seafood were seized, while 125kg of unrefrigerated raw beef and chicken were seized and disposed immediately due to food safety risks from improper storage.
3 Illegal storage of meat and seafood at unlicensed facilities pose a food safety risk. Under the Sale of Food Act and the Wholesome Meat and Fish Act, cold stores for meat and seafood products can only be operated with a valid licence.
These licensed premises are also routinely inspected by SFA. Offenders who store meat and seafood products in unlicensed premises are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.
4 If found to be possessing any meat or seafood products which has been kept in unlicensed cold stores for the purpose of selling or supplying, offenders shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $100,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years.
5 Storage of raw meat for sale without a chiller also poses a food safety risk. Offenders who store raw meat for sale without a chiller shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000. If the offender persists, they are liable to a further fine not exceeding $100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
Issued by the Singapore Food Agency
8 September 2021
Read the Official Media Release HERE.
