The samples were tested for parasites as well as Salmonella, E. Coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes. In healthy people, these bacteria may cause minor illness, said Ling. But in people with compromised immunity, the consequences could be severe or life-threatening.
Ling singled out Listeria for its potential to cause severe illness and even miscarriage in pregnant women.
No parasite was found in the 15 samples. The tests revealed contamination in two of the samples. But only one sample, purchased from a budget-friendly joint, was unfit for consumption due to the presence of Listeria. According to Singapore food regulations, the bacterium must not be detected in ready-to-eat food.
The other sample, from an online grocer, contained an acceptable level of E. Coli. At 20 colony forming units per gram, this was lower than the 100 colony forming units per gram limit for solid food set by the authorities, explained Agnes Ye, senior manager and head of the microbiology department at test and inspection company Setsco Services.