SALE OF FOOD ACT (Penalty for first offenders)

Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology (a) whether he will consider just warning supermarkets and such like enterprises if they contravened for the first time the regulations governing the sale of foods in a technical manner which would not endanger the health and safety of consumers; and (b) whether he will at the same time ensure that no publicity is given when the warning is meted out.

Mr Chor Yeok Eng (for the Minister for Low, the Environment and Science and Technology),: ( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of the Environment considers that most contraventions of the Sale of Food Act and the Food Regulations in a technical manner should not be treated lightly as they can lead to serious mass adulteration practices thereby jeopardising general public health. However, if any food is found slightly short of our required standards but does not endanger the health and safety of consumers, a warning is given for the first offence. The warning may be verbal or written, but no publicity is given.