SFA fines companies and directors for food safety lapses and import violations

SINGAPORE: Two companies and their directors were fined in Court on 31 January for food safety lapses, as reported by Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

Hai’s Roasted Meat Supplier Pte Ltd, a food processing establishment, received a S$30,000 (US$22,390) fine for multiple food safety violations under the Wholesome Meat and Fish Act.

Additionally, the director, Luo Lianghai, was fined S$7,500 (US$5,600) for failing to prevent the offenses.

SFA reported that during inspections in January, November, and December 2022, several food safety lapses were observed at Hai’s Roasted Meat Supplier.

These included improper cutting of roasted meat, inadequate packing of sauces, and storing meat outside the licensed premises.

Furthermore, the chiller room’s floor and premises’ ceiling were found to be dirty.

Recognizing that food safety is a shared responsibility across the entire food chain, SFA emphasized the need for collaboration between regulatory bodies, the industry, and consumers.

While SFA remains vigilant and enforces regulatory measures, it stressed that both food establishments and consumers must also contribute to maintaining food safety standards.

SFA highlighted the importance for food establishments to maintain clean and well-maintained premises, adhering to proper food hygiene and safety requirements.

The agency pledged to take enforcement action against operators failing to comply with food safety regulations, noting that offenders could face fines up to S$10,000 (US$7,464) and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months.

In addressing concerns about food safety practices, SFA encouraged members of the public to report issues related to food operators through the online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback).

Golden Ocean Seafood (S) Pte Ltd faces $50,000 fines for violating food importation regulations

Licensed food importer Golden Ocean Seafood (S) Pte Ltd faced fines totaling S$50,000 (US$37,320) for violations related to the import and sale of three live oyster consignments from France in December 2022.

The company failed to adhere to regulatory procedures requiring inspection, examination, and certification by SFA before selling the imported food products.

The company’s director, Sakita Goichi, was personally fined S$25,000 (US$18,660) for his role in failing to prevent the offense.

Golden Ocean Seafood (S) Pte Ltd neglected to arrange for the necessary inspections and certifications by SFA, leading to the sale of the imported oyster consignments without proper clearance.

In Singapore, importers are mandated to facilitate the inspection, examination, and certification of fish products by authorized examiners before selling, distributing, or exporting them.

SFA emphasized that fish products deemed unfit for human consumption would be seized and disposed of.

The legal consequences for offenders failing to comply with these regulations include fines not exceeding S$10,000 (US$7,464) and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months.

Moreover, those who sell fish consignments without proper inspection and certification are subject to more severe penalties.

On conviction, they may face fines up to S$50,000 (US$37,320), imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the penalties escalate to a fine not exceeding S$100,000 (US$74,640), imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.