News

SINGAPORE - Some 280kg of illegally imported produce was seized at the Woodlands Checkpoint on Sept 12 and 13. The undeclared and underdeclared items included long bean, bitter gourd, lady’s finger and peeled garlic from two importers, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a joint statement on Sept 17. The produce was found in two trucks in a joint operation that targeted delivery trucks distributing such goods directly to retail outlets and customers. The two trucks were referred to SFA for checks after ICA officers at the checkpoint found discrepancies in their consignments. Investigations are ongoing. Illegally imported produce and food products from unknown sources can be a food safety risk, and all undeclared and under-declared produce will be seized. In Singapore, food may be imported by only licensed importers, and must be declared and accompanied by a valid import permit. Those who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables may be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to three years, or both. Those who bring in processed fruits and vegetables illegally may be fined up to $1,000 on the first conviction, and up to $2,000 for subsequent convictions.