Operator Liability for Illegal Sales of Health Products on Licensed Premises and Consideration for Enforcement Actions

Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what responsibilities do operators of food premises licensed by the Singapore Food Authority (SFA) have when individuals repeatedly sell health products illegally on their premises; (b) whether SFA may impose licence conditions, suspend or revoke a licence if the operator knew of the sales; and (c) whether a formal warning framework requiring reasonable preventive steps by the operator will be considered.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) regulates the sale of health products, including those sold at food premises.

Under the Health Products Act, HSA may issue a formal warning or prosecute any business or individual who sells illegal health products in Court, with a fine of up to $50,000 and/or up to two years' imprisonment, and up to $100,000 and/or up to three years' imprisonment upon conviction if the products are found to be adulterated, counterfeit or tampered with.