The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has seized around 1.1 tons of vegetables and fruits illegally imported from Malaysia. On 14 and 15 November 2023, SFA and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) conducted a joint operation targeting delivery trucks which typically transport fresh and processed vegetables and fruits intended for direct distribution to retailers and customers.
ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint noticed discrepancies in the consignment transported by two trucks and referred the trucks to SFA for further checks. SFA found approximately 1.1 tons of undeclared and under-declared produce such as bayam, kailan, caixin, mango, pineapple, xiao baicai, Japanese cucumber and brinjal imported by two importers. All illegally imported vegetables and fruits were seized.
In Singapore, food imports 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 produce is 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 and fruits that have been subjected to pesticide abuse could lead to adverse health effects.
For more information:
Singapore Food Agency
www.ica.gov.sg