Khaiseng Trading & Fish Farm Pte Ltd and its Director fined for illegally operating an unlicensed food processing establishment and an unlicensed cold store

          Khaiseng Trading & Fish Farm Pte Ltd (KTFF) was fined $19,000 by the Court today for illegally operating an unlicensed food processing establishment, as well as an unlicensed cold store to store assorted meat and seafood products for sale. Its Director, Mr Teo Khai Seng, was fined $14,000 for failing to prevent the offences from being committed.

2        Between 21 June 2023 and 25 March 2024, Singapore Food Agency (SFA) officers conducted multiple inspections at KTFF’s premises at 291 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718903. It was found that there was unlicensed processing of bullfrogs and fish, as well as unauthorised storage of seafood and meat products in an unlicensed cold store. Despite repeated warnings and stepped-up enforcement checks from SFA, KTFF continued these illegal activities. More than 660kg of meat and seafood products, including catfish, frog meat, and crocodile meat, were seized during these inspections.

Unlicensed food processing establishment operated by KTFF for the slaughtering of bullfrogs and fish (Photo by SFA)

3       Illegal processing and storage of meat and seafood at unlicensed facilities pose a food safety risk. Under the Wholesome Meat and Fish Act, processing establishments and cold stores for meat and seafood products can only be operated with a valid licence. SFA routinely inspects these licensed premises to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

4       Offenders found to use any premises as a processing establishment or a cold store without a valid licence shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months.

5       In addition, offenders found to be possessing any meat or seafood products which have been kept in unlicensed cold stores for the purpose of selling shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $100,000 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years.