Beetles, snails among illegally imported Thai food products seized at Golden Mile Tower and City Gate
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) seized about 300kg of illegally imported food from Thailand, following raids at five food retail establishments in Golden Mile Tower and City Gate at Beach Road on Sept 24.
SFA officers found illegally imported processed and raw meat as well as insect products from Thailand for sale at four of the establishments. These include chicken, beef, pork, beetles and snails.
Two of the food retail establishments were also found to be operating without valid licences.
SFA is following up with further investigations.
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. In addition, meat and its products can only be imported from accredited sources in approved countries that comply with Singapore's food safety requirements.
Offenders found in possession of meat and seafood products for the purpose of selling, which were imported without a valid import permit shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years.
In the case of a subsequent conviction, offenders shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three years.
Offenders who operate food establishments without a valid licence shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
In the case of a subsequent conviction, offenders shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three months.
