SFA, MOH investigate food poisoning cases in over 20 people

SINGAPORE – The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) are investigating five distinct incidents of gastroenteritis symptoms affecting 23 people following consumption of snow skin mooncakes.

The mooncakes were imported from Malaysia by Mdm Ling Bakery Pte Ltd., a curated repertoire of snack delights from Asia, and sold at various retailers in Singapore. Snow skin mooncakes are usually round and served cold. They can have a variety of filings including a type of fruit called durian.

SFA has ordered the importer to halt product sales and to recall already distributed items. All expiration dates are affected.

Company officials made an apology to affected customers via a Facebook post. They highlighted that they take responsibility for the food items they import and as such have been in close liason with their production partner on the issue.

“Quality control is of utmost importance in our company because our customers’ well-being matters greatly to us. We would like to assure everyone that we treat all matters relating to food safety standards very seriously. In the meantime, we are cooperating fully with SFA and MOH in their investigations. Our management team has since reached out to customers who need our assistance and will continue to do so to make sure that all is well. We remain committed to providing you with a quality customer experience,” said the statement.

Suspension at Peachy Sugarmaker Pte Ltd lifted

Meanwhile, the SFA has lifted the prohibition for distribution and sale of food prepared by The, a home-based business known for its cakes, biscuits and dessert tables.

The home-based business implemented measures requested by SFA so operations can resume. They included disposing of all ready-to-eat, thawed and perishable food items, and cleaning and sanitizing their premises, including replacing equipment and utensils. The operator of the business has since attended and passed the Food Safety Course Level 1.

The MOH and SFA received reports of gastroenteritis involving 47 people subsequent to eating food prepared by the home-based business between Aug. 5 and 9. According to Food Safety News, a dozen people were hospitalized and have since been discharged. To protect consumers from further public health risks, SFA had prohibited the distribution and sale of food prepared by The Peachy Sugarmaker Pte Ltd from 13 August to 28 September 2021.

Consumers are advised to exercise discretion when purchasing from home-based food businesses. SFA said it would not hesitate to take action against anyone found to be in violation of food hygiene and public health rules.