Singapore is a market with high and strict requirements for food safety

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The production, import, and trading of food... are strictly managed by the Singapore government.

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, recently the Singapore Food Authority (SFA) informed that the private company Viet-Sin Grocery, registered for business in Singapore since 2020, has been subject to fined SG $36,000 D for illegally operating two cold storage warehouses and illegally importing some meat and seafood products from Vietnam.

According to SFA's report, Viet-Sin Grocery company violated the cold storage operation three times and illegally imported a number of meat and seafood products from Vietnam. On April 26, 2022, SFA found about 1,800 kg of meat, meat-based foods and seafood stored in a cold storage without an entry permit at Gambas Crescent.

On March 15, 2023, SFA discovered another cold storage operating without a license at Woodlands Close, storing about 1,240 kg of meat, meat-based foods and seafood.

Most recently, about 37 kg of various meat products were discovered being distributed at a grocery store in Woodlands. The two cold storages and grocery stores mentioned above are all operated by Viet-Sin company. The above products are confirmed to be imported from Vietnam, without a valid import license and of unrecognized origin.

Currently, SFA has seized all evidence. This incident was announced on the SFA's official website with images of some illegally imported goods from Vietnam.

Ensuring the reputation and image of Vietnamese businesses are built in the Singapore market, the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore recommends that Vietnamese food exporters should note: Singapore has very strict regulations on processing of food production and consumption, food labeling regulations, permissible food additives, incidental ingredients in food, use of minerals, hydrogenated oils Partly, regulations on food containers, irradiated food... The Singapore Government has regulations for each type of imported goods.

The import of milk and dairy products, fresh animals, meat, and fish is considered "high risk" and is strictly controlled through inspection, testing, and licensing processes of the SFA.

Currently, Singapore does not allow the import of fresh eggs, meats, live animals, or raw oysters; and set high technical requirements for Vietnamese dairy products. There is an updated list of countries/territories licensed to export certain products to Singapore attached.

Fresh fruit and vegetables imported into Singapore must not contain any prohibited pesticides, and the level of pesticide residue or toxic chemical residue must not exceed the level specified in the Food Business Act products or recommendations of FAO/WHO.

According to Singapore regulations, businesses in Singapore that import food must meet the requirements of the SFA and must be licensed by the competent authority. Each shipment must be declared and accompanied by a valid import license. If a business illegally imports or processes meat products from an unlicensed source or stores meat products for sale, without a valid license, it will be fined (up to S$100,000) or/and imprisonment (up to three years), depending on the severity of the violation.

Singapore is a market with high and strict requirements for food hygiene and safety. The production, import, and trading of food, etc. are strictly managed by the Singapore government and must comply with the 2002 Sales of Food Act, which was amended and replaced a number of articles on December 7/2017, Food Regulations, Environmental Public Health Food Hygiene Regulations…

In addition to the requirements for product quality, especially food products, Singaporean consumers are very sensitive to information related to food hygiene and clear origin, transparency and legal compliance of businesses. The Viet-Sin Grocery company mentioned above can negatively affect Singapore consumers' purchasing choices for Vietnamese food products in general and create a bad reputation for businesses exporting Vietnamese products in particular. The Vietnamese businesses should regularly update information on local regulations and choose partners accordingly.

Currently, Singapore is diversifying the supply of food products, especially meat products of all kinds. Therefore, it is necessary to consider negotiating with Singapore on the supply of meat and eggs to facilitate trade for official import and export of these products from Vietnam.