A Vietnamese woman was fined 150 million for bringing balut eggs into Singapore.

• DNUM_AHZBAZCABI 14:37

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 Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said that Ms Ung bought the balut eggs in Vietnam and packed them into two boxes as checked baggage when entering Singapore. The packages were inspected by ICA officers when they arrived at Changi Airport last month and the eggs were found. The agency then referred the case to AVA for investigation.

The incident became serious because raw foods such as meat, eggs, etc. are not allowed to be brought into Singapore because the country strictly controls food hygiene and safety. All similar products are only allowed to be imported from approved sources. Eggs are banned because Singapore authorities fear that they could be a "point" for the spread of bird flu.

Số trứng của bà Ứng bị hải quan Singapore thu giữ - Ảnh AVA

Ms. Ung's eggs were seized by Singapore customs - Photo AVA

Accordingly, anyone who illegally imports meat, eggs, etc. from unapproved sources can be fined up to $50,000 and imprisoned for 2 years. Repeat offenders will be fined $100,000 and could be imprisoned for 3 years. Ms. Ung had to pay a fine of $7,000, equivalent to VND150 million, on October 3, for illegally importing 490 balut eggs.

Both AVA and ICA also said that visitors are reminded not to bring meat and egg products into Singapore without the appropriate permits. Those who want to know more about the categories covered by this regulation can refer to the AVA website or the SG TravelKaki mobile app for more information.

A Vietnamese woman was fined 150 million for bringing balut eggs into Singapore.

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