Responding to queries on Thursday, SFA said it had not approved any source of dog meat and that all food imports must meet its requirements, according to The Straits Times.

The statement followed a post on Wednesday in the Dogs Singapore Facebook group, which has since been deleted, alleged that an advertisement for dog meat dishes had appeared in a Vietnamese Facebook community group in Singapore.

A dog seen in a cage. Photo by Unsplash/Hermes Rivera

The advertisement reportedly used "Vitamin gau gau," slang commonly used in Vietnam to refer to dog meat, and claimed the meat was imported from Vietnam.

The advertised dishes included grilled and steamed meats and ribs, with prices listed in Singapore dollars. Other Facebook posts appeared to show photos of meat cuts on display.

SFA said meat and meat products may be imported only by licensed importers from sources accredited by the agency. Food brought in illegally from unknown sources can pose a food safety risk, it added.

The agency urged importers and retailers to ensure that food products brought into Singapore for sale meet its import requirements and are safe to eat, Channel News Asia reported.

Those convicted of selling meat or meat products without a valid license or import permit face a fine of up to SGD50,000 (US$39,000), imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders face a fine of up to SGD100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.