Three companies in Singapore fined for food safety breaches; one tampered with expiry date markings on pre-packed food
Other lapses the Singapore Food Agency found include running an unlicensed cold store, improper thawing of meat, a dirty ice machine, and more.
SINGAPORE — Three companies and one director were fined on Wednesday (27 March) for food safety violations. These include tampering with expiry date markings on pre-packed food and operating an unlicensed cold store, said the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in a media release.
Lee Peng Hwa, the sole proprietor of LPH Catering, was given a fine of $12,000 after a joint investigation by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the SFA found multiple food safety lapses.
Meanwhile, food retailer Alternative Selection was fined $6,400 for tampering with expiry date markings on pre-packed food products.
A third company, Go Go Foods Singapore, was fined $3,500 for operating an unlicensed cold store. Its director, Yatagawa Koichi, was also fined $3,500 for failing to prevent the offence from being committed.
LPH Catering fined for improper thawing of meat, non-separation of chopping boards and dirty ice machine
In May 2023, MOH and SFA received reports of gastroenteritis involving 57 individuals after consuming food prepared by LPH Catering located at 4008 Depot Lane. None of them were hospitalised.
Multiple food safety lapses such as improper thawing of meat, non-separation of chopping boards for raw and cooked food, and a dirty ice machine, were found after a joint investigation at its premises.
"Food safety is a joint responsibility as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain. Food establishments should ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained, as well as adhere to proper food hygiene and food safety requirements," said the SFA.
Food operators who do not adhere to food safety regulations may be fined up to $5,000. In the case of a continuing offence, they may draw a further fine of up to $100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
Alternative Selection tampered with pre-packed food expiry date markings
In April 2022, SFA officers inspected Alternative Selection's premises and found various pre-packed food products with tampered and extended date markings, including those which had already expired. All implicated food products were seized and disposed.
"Under the Food Regulations, no person shall remove, erase, alter, obscure, superimpose or in any way tamper with any date mark on any pre-packed food," said SFA.
Offenders may face a fine up to $1,000. A fine not exceeding $2,000 may be drawn in the case of a second or subsequent conviction.
Go Go Foods Singapore and director fined for operating unlicensed cold store
On 5 June 2023, SFA officers inspected Go Go Foods Singapore's premises and found assorted meat and seafood products stored in chest freezers and chillers.
Approximately 1,580 kg of meat and seafood products were seized, including beef, unagi and crabmeat.
Storage of meat and seafood at unlicensed facilities poses a food safety risk, said SFA.
"All storage facilities for meat and seafood products must be licensed and meet SFA’s requirements and food safety standards."
Offenders found in possession of any meat or seafood products that have been kept in unlicensed cold stores, for the purpose of selling or supplying, may be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders may face a fine up to $100,000, a jail term for up to three years, or both.
Members of the public are advised not to patronise food establishments that carry out illegal activities and have poor hygiene practices.
They may provide feedback on SFA's online feedback form or contact SFA's contact centre (6805-2871) with details for the agency to investigate.
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