Vietnamese woman fined 150 million for bringing a box of balut eggs into Singapore

According to the newspaperTaiwan NewsIn response to the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in China, Taiwan's Council of Agriculture (COA) has increased penalties for tourists illegally transporting meat from countries with the disease into Taiwan since December 18.

Accordingly, the fine for passengers illegally transporting meat from epidemic countries into Taiwan will increase from NT$50,000 (nearly VND38 million) to NT$200,000 (over VND150 million) for the first violation. The fine for those who violate two or more times will increase from NT$500,000 (VND378 million) to NT$1 million (VND756 million).

Dried chicken snacks are also prohibited upon entry.

Airlines have issued notices in English and Chinese banning meat products from countries affected by African swine fever on all domestic flights.

However, many relatives of Taiwanese citizens and Vietnamese tourists do not understand this announcement. Therefore, authorities plan to broadcast announcements in Vietnamese on flights from Vietnam.

Not long ago, a Vietnamese woman, Ms. Le Thi Ung (63 years old), bought 490 balut eggs, weighing 78.4 kg, placed them in two styrofoam boxes and brought them to Singapore. The incident became serious because raw foods such as meat, eggs, etc. are not allowed to be brought into Singapore because this country strictly controls food hygiene and safety.

A Vietnamese woman was fined 7,000 USD (about 150 million VND) for bringing balut eggs into Singapore.

Under the law, anyone who illegally imports meat, eggs, etc. from unapproved sources can be fined up to $50,000 and imprisoned for two years. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $100,000 and imprisoned for three years. Ms. Ung was fined $7,000, equivalent to VND150 million, on October 3 for illegally importing 490 balut eggs.

Similarly, Japan prohibits all interns, international students, foreign tourists, etc. from bringing food when entering the country. Prohibited foods, vegetables, and foods include: fresh and dried fruits in all forms, fresh vegetables and fruits such as onions, garlic, chili, etc., meats and seafood such as dried pork floss, sausages, shrimp, dried foods in all forms, all types of vegetables and fruits, flowers, ornamental flower pots or flower pots with soil, etc.

Carrying chili peppers is also prohibited.

Violators will have their belongings confiscated at the airport and be fined up to 100 man - equivalent to 210 million VND. Failure to pay the fine will result in being forced to return to your country at the airport, imprisonment for up to 3 years depending on the severity of the violation and a permanent ban on entering Japan.

Or in the US, some ready-made foods containing meat such as pork, duck, chicken, eggs, bird's nest, soup, broth, etc. cannot be brought into the country in any form. All fruits, vegetables, seeds and soil are prohibited from being brought into the US because they may contain some bacteria that affect public health.

To avoid unfortunate incidents that may occur, tourists need to carefully read important information before bringing snacks when entering the country. In addition, travel companies and airlines should also have recommendations for passengers to avoid.