Koryo Trading Pte Ltd, an importer of food products, was fined S$30,000 by the Court today for the operation of an unlicensed cold store and illegal import of assorted meat and seafood from Korea.
2 Officers from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) conducted an inspection at Koryo Trading Pte Ltd in February 2020 and found approximately 4,656 kg of meat and seafood products (e.g. meat dumplings, frozen beef and processed squid) in an unlicensed cold store.
Further investigations revealed that the company had illegally imported the meat products from Korea.
Investigations also revealed that Koryo Trading Pte Ltd had, on a separate occasion, illegally imported approximately 72kg of puffer fish and puffer fish products from Korea. The illegal consignments were seized
3 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 poses food safety risk. Meat 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 meat and seafood products shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years
4 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 items 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.
SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY
8 October 2021d
View Official Media Release HERE.
