860kg of veggies illegally imported from Malaysia seized from truck at Tuas Checkpoint
Around 860kg of fresh vegetables illegally imported from Malaysia were found in a truck at Tuas Checkpoint on Jan 22.
The discovery was made by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a joint operation on delivery trucks that typically transport produce intended for direct distribution to retailers and importers.
During the operation, ICA officers at the checkpoint noticed discrepancies in the consignment transported by a truck and referred it to SFA for further checks.
SFA found undeclared and under-declared vegetables such as caixin, romaine lettuce and mint leaf imported by five importers in the truck. All illegally imported produce were seized.
SFA said it is following up with further investigations and will not hesitate to take enforcement action.
In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA's requirements, the authorities reminded.
They added in a statement: "Illegally imported produce and food products of unknown sources can pose a food safety risk. Food can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit."
Offenders who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables may be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed up to three years.
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