food recall

[Ysc3]

SFA recalls Crab Brand Black Pepper Seed after excessive levels of bacterium detected

Bacteria that cause food poisoning have been detected in a black pepper seed product from Indonesia, prompting the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to direct the recall of all affected products.

The presence of Bacillus cereus exceeded microbiological standards stated in the Singapore Food Regulations during a routine sampling of the product, said SFA on Tuesday (Dec 22).

The affected product is in 50g and 90g bottles of Crab Brand Black Pepper Seed that expire on Nov 1, 2021, and Oct 1, 2021, respectively.

They were imported by Siem Trading, which has been directed to recall the affected bottles.

Eating food contaminated with the food-borne bacterium can result in abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.

It is typically found in soil, vegetation and in the intestinal tracts of insects and mammals.

Consumers who have bought the product are advised not to eat it, added SFA.

Those who have eaten the product and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice.

Affected parties can contact their point of purchase for inquiries.

[Kopites]

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/eggs-recalled-malaysia-farm-lay-hong-berhad-layer-farm-sfa-14394192

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has directed several importers to recall eggs from Lay Hong Berhad Layer Farm Jeram in Malaysia, after detecting the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in the eggs.

[zipping]

https://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/product-recall/recall-of-hand-sanitisers-(feb-to-april-2021)

[Ender]

 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/three-more-kinder-chocolate-recalled-salmonella-belgium-sfa-2616871

Singapore recalls three more Kinder chocolate products due to possible presence of salmonella

SINGAPORE: A recall of Kinder chocolate has been extended to three additional products due to the possible presence of salmonella, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Friday (Apr 8). 

They are Kinder Mini Eggs, Kinder Egg Hunt Kit and Kinder Surprise Maxi from Belgium, SFA said. 

The affected products have a best before date between Apr 20 and Aug 21, 2022, the agency added.

SFA said the latest recall follows a recall alert issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland for the products due to possible presence of salmonella - a pathogenic bacterium that can cause foodborne illnesses such as fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

SFA has directed importers Redmart and Le Petit Depot to recall the products and the recall is ongoing.

"Consumers who have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers may contact the importers for enquiries," it said. 

SFA had earlier announced a recall of Kinder Surprise chocolate on Wednesday. 

On Friday, Belgian health authorities ordered Italian confectionery group Ferrero - which produces Kinder chocolates - to suspend production at its plant in Arlon, Belgium, after Europe’s health agency launched an investigation into dozens of cases of salmonella potentially linked to the chocolates.

[Jamesc]

But I also ask my MIL to eat more.

Its supposed to be good for her.

I even bought for her.

On 11/4/2020 at 8:59 AM, Kangadrool said:

Rice also contains arsenic.

 

On 11/4/2020 at 2:12 PM, Lala81 said:

especially brown or unpolished rice. 

 

[Jamesc]

I will just eat the unhealthy white stuff

[Windwaver]

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/sfa-kueh-manufacturers-production-suspended-2838101

9 kueh manufacturers suspended after improper use of preservatives: SFA

SINGAPORE: Nine local kueh manufacturers had their operations suspended due to the improper use of food additives, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Wednesday (Jul 27).

Production of various kueh products by these manufacturers was suspended on Tuesday until further notice after high levels of benzoic acid or sorbic acid were detected in their kueh and components such as dough, the agency said.

"Under the Singapore Food Regulations, the use of benzoic acid/sorbic acid is not allowed in kueh products, except for its filling, which should not exceed the maximum permissible limits."

The affected manufacturers are: AMK Nonya Kueh Pte Ltd, Chit Guan Foodstuff Pte Ltd, Delight Baker Pte Ltd, Lim Food Industries, Sin Hwa Coconuts Industrial Pte Ltd, Thomson Foodstuff Manufacturing, Tiong Bahru Tian Bo Shui Kueh Pte Ltd, Toh Chuan Kee Foodstuff Pte Ltd and Tongli Food Manufacturing.

Affected products include kueh lapis, yam cake, kueh salat, ang ku kueh, huat kueh, ondeh-ondeh, chwee kueh and soon kueh.

SFA said it had been closely monitoring local kueh manufactuers since the detection of benzoic acid in locally manufactured kueh products in March.

“In the interest of public health, SFA is taking enforcement actions against the implicated manufacturers and had suspended the production, distribution and sale of the implicated kueh products which were found to be (in) non-compliance with the Singapore Food Regulations.”

SFA has directed the manufacturers to recall the implicated kueh products as a precautionary measure, and the recall is ongoing.

The agency said that the “consumption of the affected products once or twice is not of food safety concern” based on the levels of the additives detected. However, it warned against the consumption of food with high levels of benzoic acid or sorbic acid over a long period of time.

“This is because even though benzoic acid and sorbic acids are common additives which are safe when used in small quantities, studies in animals fed with high doses of benzoic acid had shown disorder of the central nervous system as well as changes in their brains,” SFA said.

“Animals fed with high doses of sorbic acid had shown effects like reduced growth."

SFA advised those who have consumed the implicated products to seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health, adding that consumers can contact their points of purchase for enquiries.

“Food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food manufacturers should ensure that their products adhere to all the requirements in Singapore's food related laws,” SFA said.

“SFA will take enforcement action against food operators who do not adhere to these laws and would not hesitate to prosecute offenders in court.”

 

[Windwaver]

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/sfa-recall-banana-cake-mixed-fruit-preservative-best-one-bake-king-2838116

Banana-flavoured cake, mixed fruits recalled over preservative and allergen concerns

SINGAPORE: A recall has been issued for Best One Assorted Cake (banana flavour) and Bake King’s Mixed Fruits, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Wednesday (Jul 27).

Sorbic acid at levels exceeding the maximum limit stated in the Singapore Food Regulations were detected in Best One Assorted Cake (banana flavour). 

The affected cakes, imported by Deli X-press, have an expiration date of Aug 31, 2022. The product's country of origin is Malaysia. 

Sorbic acid is a permitted food additive that is used for preservation purposes, said SFA, adding that consumption of the affected product is unlikely to pose any adverse health effects due to its low toxicity. 

Manufacturer Gim Hin Lee was ordered to recall Bake King’s Mixed Fruits after sulphur dioxide, an undeclared allergen, was detected.

All batches and all best before dates are affected by the recall. The product is sold in 250g, 500g, 1kg, 2kg and 5kg batches and is packed in Singapore. 

The agency said sulphite is commonly used as a food additive and is typically tested for as sulphur dioxide, a gaseous substance. 

"Presence of excessive levels of sulphur dioxide in food could result in allergenic reactions in individuals who are hypersensitive to sulphite,” said SFA in a news release. 

“Symptoms includes hives, itchiness, stomachache, diarrhoea, and vomiting. The presence of sulphite does not pose a food safety issue to consumers at large, except for those who are allergic to sulphites.”

Food products containing ingredients that are known to cause hypersensitivity must be declared on food packaging labels, according to the Sale of Food (Food Regulations).

Consumers who have purchased the implicated products and have concerns about their health should not consume it. They may also contact their point of purchase for enquiries, said SFA. 

[Windwaver]

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/sfa-recall-banana-cake-mixed-fruit-preservative-best-one-bake-king-2838116

[Nami_S]

for those who want to know abt the best restaurants in Singapore you can read here https://nurizzatimohdsaleh.blogspot.com/2022/06/45-highest-rated-best-restaurants-in.html

[Windwaver]

22 hours ago, Windwaver said:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/sfa-kueh-manufacturers-production-suspended-2838101

9 kueh manufacturers suspended after improper use of preservatives: SFA

SINGAPORE: Nine local kueh manufacturers had their operations suspended due to the improper use of food additives, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Wednesday (Jul 27).

Production of various kueh products by these manufacturers was suspended on Tuesday until further notice after high levels of benzoic acid or sorbic acid were detected in their kueh and components such as dough, the agency said.

"Under the Singapore Food Regulations, the use of benzoic acid/sorbic acid is not allowed in kueh products, except for its filling, which should not exceed the maximum permissible limits."

The affected manufacturers are: AMK Nonya Kueh Pte Ltd, Chit Guan Foodstuff Pte Ltd, Delight Baker Pte Ltd, Lim Food Industries, Sin Hwa Coconuts Industrial Pte Ltd, Thomson Foodstuff Manufacturing, Tiong Bahru Tian Bo Shui Kueh Pte Ltd, Toh Chuan Kee Foodstuff Pte Ltd and Tongli Food Manufacturing.

Affected products include kueh lapis, yam cake, kueh salat, ang ku kueh, huat kueh, ondeh-ondeh, chwee kueh and soon kueh.

SFA said it had been closely monitoring local kueh manufactuers since the detection of benzoic acid in locally manufactured kueh products in March.

“In the interest of public health, SFA is taking enforcement actions against the implicated manufacturers and had suspended the production, distribution and sale of the implicated kueh products which were found to be (in) non-compliance with the Singapore Food Regulations.”

SFA has directed the manufacturers to recall the implicated kueh products as a precautionary measure, and the recall is ongoing.

The agency said that the “consumption of the affected products once or twice is not of food safety concern” based on the levels of the additives detected. However, it warned against the consumption of food with high levels of benzoic acid or sorbic acid over a long period of time.

“This is because even though benzoic acid and sorbic acids are common additives which are safe when used in small quantities, studies in animals fed with high doses of benzoic acid had shown disorder of the central nervous system as well as changes in their brains,” SFA said.

“Animals fed with high doses of sorbic acid had shown effects like reduced growth."

SFA advised those who have consumed the implicated products to seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health, adding that consumers can contact their points of purchase for enquiries.

“Food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food manufacturers should ensure that their products adhere to all the requirements in Singapore's food related laws,” SFA said.

“SFA will take enforcement action against food operators who do not adhere to these laws and would not hesitate to prosecute offenders in court.”

 

SFA screw up? 

 

[Jonpaul0104]

@Windwaver sue SFA for loss of business & reputation...wonder how did SFA first judge that their 3 products were unsafe?  

[Watwheels]

Sorbic acid is a preservative commonly used in bread or pastry, wine and cheese. Chwee Kueh falls in this category meh?

Any org to check SFA or not?

[Kklim]

24 minutes ago, Watwheels said:

Sorbic acid is a preservative commonly used in bread or pastry, wine and cheese. Chwee Kueh falls in this category meh?

Any org to check SFA or not?

Chai por is preserved radish

[Windwaver]

3 hours ago, Jonpaul0104 said:

@Windwaver sue SFA for loss of business & reputation...wonder how did SFA first judge that their 3 products were unsafe?  

They test different batches?

Like that how to trust either party? In other words, there's still danger in consuming food from the list? 

[Windwaver]

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/jian-bo-kueh-sfa-suspension-order-reputation-1955731

Kueh firm says SFA suspension order revoked after 1 day but it has suffered significant loss of business, reputation

• SFA suspended operations of kueh maker Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh, saying there were high levels of a food preservative in its products
• A separate laboratory test of the food items found that this was not the case
• The firm has taken to social media to publish a letter from SFA stating that the suspension has been revoked
• Jian Bo's director Eric Ang said the brand's reputation has taken a hit and business has been impacted
• He does not intend to seek compensation, but hopes SFA can clear the firm's name publicly  

SINGAPORE — On a typical day, kueh maker Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh serves “a few thousand” customers across its more than 20 stores located around the island. The firm, which both makes kueh products and operates retail outlets selling them, has built up a following over several decades.

However, it took just one day to lose most of the customers — at least temporarily — after the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) announced on Wednesday (July 27) that it was ordering the suspension of operations for the 64-year-old homegrown brand.

This was because it discovered that some of the food items it sold contained high levels of the food preservative sorbic acid.

It was later found that this was not the case for Jian Bo — which is listed as Tiong Bahru Tian Bo Shui Kueh in government records — and the order was thus revoked on Thursday. This was from an SFA letter that the firm posted on social media.

TODAY has asked SFA to verify the letter and comment on the development.

The implicated snacks and food items sold by the company were:

• Chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes garnished with pickled radish)
• Nine layer kueh (multi-coloured steamed cakes made mostly of rice and tapioca flour)
• Tapioca kueh (tapioca cake) 

Aside from having to shutter most of its stores on Wednesday, Jian Bo's clients, which include hotels, began questioning the quality of its products and wanted a clarification from SFA before they resumed using these products, the company's director Eric Ang said.

Mr Ang told TODAY on Thursday that SFA’s announcement had tarnished the reputation of the brand.  

“The damage is huge… It’s a reputation I have been trying to maintain, but within a day and that’s it, (gone).”

The company made it to the Michelin Guide Singapore's Bib Gourmand 2021 list.

Mr Ang said that although he has yet to work out the financial impact of SFA’s decision, it is "definitely not going to be small".

However, he has no plans to seek compensation from SFA.

He does hope, though, that the agency can issue a public statement to clear Jian Bo’s name.

“It really affects Jian Bo’s reputation. We hope SFA can help us, as an SME (small- and medium-sized enterprise).”

ASSUMED EVERYTHING WAS OKAY

Mr Ang said that Jian Bo, which produces a range of savoury Chinese kuehs and other traditional fare such as bak zhang (glutinous rice dumplings with meat filling) and nasi lemak (coconut-infused rice with assorted fried food items), has been careful in following SFA’s regulations.

However, he admitted that it had used sorbic acid as a food preservative months ago. None of the products used benzoic acid.

These acids are common food additives used to preserve food.

A food scientist told TODAY on Wednesday that they are relatively safe when consumed in low quantities, though some studies have shown that under certain conditions, these compounds may get mutated to something potentially harmful.

Under Singapore's food regulations, the use of these additives are banned in kueh products, except for its filling. If used in the filling, they should not exceed the permissible limits set out in the rules.

Even so, Mr Ang said that the company had sought clarification with SFA before April this year via email, asking if it was permissible to include sorbic acid in its kuehs, and received a reply that it was.

Then, when a separate team from SFA did a random sampling of the company’s products in April and found the presence of the sorbic acid, he was told that the additive should not be present despite what SFA’s email said.

“From that day onward, we stopped using that kind of product (sorbic acid),” Mr Ang said.

He added that at no point during the interaction with SFA in April was Jian Bo told to cease operation, and were informed only to stop using the additive.

So, he said that it came as a surprise when the authority arrived at the company's factory on Tuesday to notify the firm of the regulation breach, which was based on the products manufactured in April. 

“It’s been so long since April, so I assumed everything was okay (after the initial check),” Mr Ang said.

He felt that SFA should have done a random sampling of the company’s recent products instead.

“We have been abiding by which type of preservatives we should use or not use.”

In any case, with the suspension order revoked, Mr Ang said that Jian Bo intends to resume operations on Friday.

When asked how he intends to take the company forward after this incident, Mr Ang said that he plans to thank “loyal customers” for their support by offering promotions on its products.

WHAT HAPPENED

On Wednesday morning, the SFA announced that it detected high amounts of benzoic or sorbic acid in the products of nine kueh manufacturers, including Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh.

It said that it would suspend the production, distribution and sale of the implicated kueh products, since the manufacturers were found to have not complied with regulations.

On Wednesday evening, Jian Bo issued a statement on its social media platforms to dispute SFA’s findings.

It added that it had even sent its products to a laboratory on Tuesday, after being notified of the supposed breach of regulations, to test for the presence of the additives. It received a negative result on Wednesday.

The company then submitted the report to SFA to seek clarification on the suspension.

On Thursday afternoon, Jian Bo provided an update on the same channels, which included a copy of a letter from SFA that it had received in the morning.

The letter acknowledged the laboratory report and said that the food agency was revoking the suspension order.

[13177]

How can SFA made such a huge mistake on Jian Bo?

[Windwaver]