The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has seized about one tonne of fresh and processed produce illegally imported from Malaysia.

2.          On 17 and 18 July 2024, SFA and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) conducted a joint operation on delivery trucks that are typically used to transport produce and food products intended for direct distribution to retailers and customers. During the operation, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint noticed discrepancies in the consignment transported by two trucks and referred them to SFA for further checks.

3.         SFA found undeclared and under-declared produce such as bayam, tomato, lady finger and peeled hairy gourd imported by two importers in the two trucks. All illegally imported produce were seized.

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

Truck drivers unloading imports for inspection.

Produce is weighed and the total weight is tallied. 

All illegal imports are 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 importation across our borders.