December 17, 2007

Singapore catches more thawed frozen pork sold as fresh meat

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore reported that 2007 has witnessed a record number of pork retailers selling thawed frozen pork as chilled fresh meat.

NEA has caught 31 pork retailers this year, a steep rise compared to previous years when there were only one or two reported cases per year.

Chilled fresh pork costs about 50 percent more than thawed frozen pork, but both look the same, making it difficult for consumers to spot the difference.

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) advised consumers to buy from reputable retailers and look out for labels. In the next six months, CASE said it would work closely with the NEA, to further monitor the situation.

Currently, first time offenders are fined SGD300 (US$206). Second time offenders are fined SGD$600 (US$412), while third-time offenders are fined SGD1,000 (US$688).

Retailers who are repeatedly caught will also be sued in court and can be fined up to SGD10,000 (US$6881).