2 companies fined for storing and processing meat products in premises without a license

SINGAPORE: Two local businesses were fined S $ 2,000 each on Wednesday (October 28) for crimes related to the illegal processing and storage of meat products.

In a press release, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said that one of the companies, ILTM Tampines, had been operating an unlicensed meat processing establishment.

In November 2019, SFA officials discovered that ILTM Tampines had been conducting processing activities involving the thawing and marinating of chicken meat in premises that were not licensed as a meat processing establishment.

SFA also discovered 78 packages and a tub of raw chicken thighs. Officers later sealed the items and detained them in the company’s cooler.

But ILTM Tampines removed the sealed meat before investigations were completed, despite being instructed not to do so without SFA approval.

The other company that was fined was Cent to Dollar, an operator of minimarkets, convenience stores and supply stores.

In March 2020, SFA officers seized around 147 kg of assorted sliced ​​cuts of meat after discovering that Cent to Dollar had been storing meat products in multiple chest freezers in premises that were not licensed as a cold store.

All meat processing and storage facilities must be licensed and meet SFA requirements and food safety standards, the agency said, adding that these facilities are also regularly inspected.

Violators who illegally process and store meat products could face a fine of up to S $ 10,000, a jail term not to exceed 12 months, or both.

Those who tamper with any item seized or detained by SFA or tamper with any mark, seal or label placed on these items by the agency during an investigation will face similar penalties.