Singapore Food Agency imposes fines on three companies for food safety violations

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) announced fines against three companies for food safety violations on Wednesday (27 Mar).

According to a media release from the SFA, the companies facing penalties are Lee Penghwa, the sole proprietor of LPH Catering, Alternative Selection Pte Ltd, and Go Go Foods Singapore.

Lee Peng Hwa, the sole proprietor of LPH Catering, has been fined S$12,000 (US$8,900) for numerous food safety violations under the Sale of Food (Non-Retail Food Business) Regulations.

This penalty comes following reports received by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in May 2023.

The reports detailed cases of gastroenteritis affecting 57 individuals who had consumed food prepared by LPH Catering at its location on 4008 Depot Lane, #01-88, Singapore 109762.

Fortunately, none of the affected individuals required hospitalization.

Following the reports, MOH and SFA conducted a joint investigation at the premises of LPH Catering.

The investigation revealed several food safety lapses, including improper thawing of meat, failure to separate chopping boards for raw and cooked food, and the presence of a dirty ice machine.

Offenders who do not adhere to food safety regulations are subject to penalties upon conviction.

They may face fines of up to S$5,000 (US$3,710), and in the case of a continuing offence, an additional fine not exceeding $100 I(US$74) for each day or part thereof during which the offence persists after conviction.

Food company fined $6,400 for tampering with expiry dates

Alternative Selection Pte Ltd, a food processing company and retailer, has been fined S$6,400 (US$4,750) for tampering with expiry date markings on prepacked food products.

The penalty was imposed following an inspection conducted by officers from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in April 2022 at the premises of Alternative Selection Pte Ltd.

During the inspection, SFA officers discovered various prepacked food items with tampered and extended expiry date markings, some of which had already expired.

As a result, all implicated food products were promptly seized and disposed.

According to the Food Regulations, it is strictly prohibited for any person to tamper with expiry date markings on prepacked food products.

Offenders face penalties upon conviction, with fines of up to S$1,000 (US$740) for a first offence and up to S$2,000 (US$1,480) for subsequent convictions.

Food importer and director fined for unlicensed cold store operation

Go Go Foods Singapore Pte Ltd, a licensed food importer, and its director, Yatagawa Koichi, were both fined S$3,500 (US$2,600) each for operating an unlicensed cold store.

The penalty was imposed following an inspection conducted by officers from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on 5 June 2023, at the premises of Go Go Foods Singapore Pte Ltd.

During the inspection, SFA officers discovered assorted meat and seafood products, including beef, unagi, and crabmeat, stored in chest freezers and chillers.

It was revealed that the premises was not licensed as a cold store, leading to the seizure of approximately 1580 kg of meat and seafood products.

Individuals caught with meat or seafood stored in unlicensed cold stores for sale or distribution can be fined up to S$50,000 (US$37,080) and/or imprisoned for up to 2 years for a first offense.

For subsequent offences, fines may go up to $100,000 (US$74,160), with imprisonment for a maximum of 3 years.

The SFA emphasizes the importance of the public avoiding food establishments with poor hygiene practices and reporting any concerns to the agency.

To facilitate this, the SFA encourages individuals to provide feedback using its online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback) or by contacting the SFA Contact Centre at 6805 2871.