A fresh produce importer was fined $6,000 for illegally importing approximately 395 kg of undeclared and underdeclared fresh fruits and vegetables, including Chinese cabbage, chili paddies, limes and cucumbers.
According to the Singapore Food Authority (SFA), Pisces Supplier illegally imported 78kg of undeclared processed vegetables, including cut eggplant and cabbage.
The company’s director, Karen Lee Shang Lin, was also fined $5,500 for failing to prevent the commission of the crime.
The SFA said the items were found in the truck during a joint operation by the agency and the Immigration Checkpoint (ICA) at the Woodlands checkpoint on November 17, 2021.
The truck was delivering groceries to a Pisces supplier. The SFA said all illegal cargo had been seized.
Only licensed importers can import food into Singapore and all shipments must be declared and accompanied by a valid import license.
The SFA said illegally imported vegetables are of unknown origin and could pose food safety risks.
These vegetables can be exposed to pesticide abuse, and long-term consumption of excessive pesticide residues can have adverse health effects.
Criminals who illegally import fresh fruits and vegetables can be fined up to $10,000, imprisoned up to three years, or both.
Illegally imported processed fruits and vegetables are also subject to fines of up to $1,000 for offenders and up to $2,000 for subsequent convictions.
https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/food-wholesaler-pisces-supplier-fined-6000-illegally-importing-fruits-and-vegetables Food wholesaler Pisces supplier fined $6,000 for illegally importing fruits and vegetables, latest Singapore news