Peninsula Plaza minimart fined $8,000 for importing 15kg of meat products illegally from Myanmar
A minimart called Golden Ava International at North Bridge Road was fined $8,000 by the court on Sept 4 for importing meat products illegally from Myanmar intended for sale.
On May 13, 2023, Singapore Food Agency (SFA) officers found around 15kg of assorted meat products illegally imported by the shop in Peninsula Plaza, which is sometimes called "Little Myanmar" for its popularity among the Myanmarese population in Singapore.
All the illegal meat imports, which included chicken sausages and canned chicken, were seized.
In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA's requirements. Illegally imported 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.
In addition, meat and meat products can only be imported from accredited sources in approved countries that comply with our food safety standards and requirements.
Offenders who import meat products illegally from unapproved sources or found in possession of meat products for the purpose of selling, which were imported without a valid permit or licence 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.
