The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has seized around 1.6 tonnes of fresh vegetables and processed food imported illegally from Malaysia.

2.          From 2 to 3 May 2024, SFA and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) conducted a joint operation on vegetable delivery trucks entering Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint. These trucks typically transport produce for direct distribution to retailers and customers. During the operation, ICA officers referred two trucks to SFA for further checks due to discrepancies in the transported consignment.

3.          SFA found approximately 1.6 tonnes of undeclared and under-declared produce such as bayam, bitter gourd, tomato, turnip and peeled onion imported by two importers in the two trucks. All the illegally imported produce were seized.

4.           SFA is following up with further investigations and will not hesitate to take enforcement action. 

Truck drivers unload the imports for inspection.

Produce is weighed and the total weight is tallied. 

All illegal imports were seized.

5.          Food imported into Singapore must meet SFA’s requirements. Fruits and vegetables can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit. Illegally imported vegetables are of unknown sources and can pose a food safety risk (e.g. if unregulated or high level of pesticides are used). The long-term ingestion of excessive pesticide residues through the consumption of vegetables that have been subjected to pesticide abuse could lead to adverse health effects.

6.          Offenders who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years. Offenders who illegally import processed fruits and vegetables shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and in the case of a subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000.

7.          Safeguarding Singapore’s borders remains a top priority for ICA. ICA will continue to conduct security checks to detect and deter illegal importation attempts to keep Singapore safe. SFA will continue to safeguard food safety through our integrated food safety system, which includes strict import regulations and enforcement, and work closely with border control agencies to deter illegal import across our borders. 

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY
08 MAY 2024