Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg
A company in Singapore was caught illegally producing chwee kueh and carrot cakes at its unlicensed premises, resulting in the seizure and recalling of its foods.
Low Meng Kee Food was fined S$2,500 on Aug. 11 as a result of not obtaining the necessary license.
What happened
The firm was initially licensed to carry out food manufacturing activities at its factory premises at 30 Senoko Drive until April 2019, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said.
It ceased operations to undergo major renovation works.
The company had to obtain a new licence from SFA after the renovation to resume food manufacturing activities, but did not do so.
Surprise spot check
In July 2020, SFA officers conducted a “surprise inspection” at the newly renovated premises.
The authorities found that the company was producing chwee kueh and carrot cake, despite not having obtained a licence from SFA.
Chwee kueh is a steamed flour cake served with preserved turnip.
Food seized, recalled
SFA officers seized about 3,880 pieces of chwee kueh made at the unlicensed premises.
Carrot cakes that were distributed were “immediately recalled” by the company.
SFA said the illegal production of food products at unlicensed facilities poses a food safety risk.
Penalties
All food manufacturing facilities in Singapore must be licensed and are required to meet SFA’s requirements.
The agency added that these establishments are routinely inspected.
Those who illegally manufacture food products can be fined up to S$5,000.
Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to three months, fined up to S$10,000, or both.
Follow and listen to our podcast here
Top photos via SFA & Wikipedia