SFA said it had been carefully monitoring local kueh manufactuers since the detection associated with benzoic acid within locally manufactured kueh products in March.
“In the eye of public wellness, SFA is getting enforcement actions contrary to the implicated manufacturers together suspended the production, submission and sale of the implicated kueh items which were found to become (in) non-compliance with all the Singapore Food Rules. ”
SFA has directed the manufacturers to recall the particular implicated kueh products as a precautionary determine, and the recall will be ongoing.
The agency said that the “consumption of the affected products once or twice is not really of food basic safety concern” based on the levels of the additives detected. Nevertheless , it warned against the consumption of food with high levels of benzoic acid or sorbic acid over an any period of time 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 creatures fed with higher doses of benzoic acid had demonstrated disorder of the nervous system as well as changes within their brains, ” SFA said.
“Animals fed with higher doses of sorbic acid had demonstrated effects like reduced growth. ”
SFA advised anyone who has consumed the implicated products to seek medical advice if they have concerns regarding their health, adding that consumers may contact their factors of purchase intended for enquiries.
“Food safety is a mutual responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food producers should ensure that goods adhere to all the requirements in Singapore’s meals related laws, ” SFA said.
“SFA will take observance action against foods operators who never adhere to these laws and would not hesitate to prosecute offenders in court. ”