In 2020, a company known as Viet-Sin Grocery established a presence in Singapore and has recently been caught red-handed engaging in some rather sneaky activities. The company has been nabbed not once, but three times for flouting regulations regarding cold storage and the importation of meat and seafood from Vietnam. It seems they’ve been pushing their luck quite a bit!

On the 26th of April, 2022, officials from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) stumbled upon an unlicensed cold storage facility at Gambas Crescent containing a whopping 1,784 kg of meat, processed meat, and seafood. And believe it or not, another unlicensed cold storage facility was discovered at Woodlands Close on March 15, 2023, hiding approximately 1,240 kg of similar products. It’s almost like a scene from a movie, except instead of treasure, they uncovered a large stash of illegally imported food.

But hold on, there’s more! Imagine this: Around 37 kg of assorted meat products were being sold at a Viet-Sin-run grocery store in Woodlands. And guess what? These products were imported from Vietnam without the proper licenses, and the origin couldn’t even be verified. What a mess!

Here’s the thing – Singapore has strict regulations governing this kind of activity. Food importers, like Viet-Sin Grocery, are required to adhere to the SFA’s standards and obtain all the necessary licenses. They must declare each batch of imports and possess a valid license for each one. If they fail to do so, they can face hefty fines of up to 100,000 Singapore dollars, and even potential imprisonment for up to three years, depending on the severity of the violation. Yikes!

The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore is even offering advice to Vietnamese food exporters, advising them to stay abreast of Singapore’s food safety regulations. They are emphasizing the importance of accurate labeling, additives, and the contents of the food. They are also recommending the selection of reliable business partners. It’s like a miniature detective story, with everyone attempting to cover their tracks!

Here’s the kicker – Singapore has designated certain “high-risk” items for imports, including milk, live animals, meat, and fish. The SFA maintains strict control over these products. And to top it off, there are some items from Vietnam that Singapore won’t even allow in, such as fresh eggs, live animals, raw oysters, and specific technical standards for dairy products.

So, that’s the situation, folks. Viet-Sin Grocery has found itself in hot water for playing fast and loose with the regulations. It just goes to show that when it comes to importing food, it’s essential to have all your paperwork in order! Better luck next time, Viet-Sin.