SINGAPORE - Eggs in Singapore are free of the insecticide fipronil and are safe for consumption, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Sept 6) evening.

The agency acknowledged recent reports that Singapore is among the countries affected by the Europe tainted egg scandal.

German news agency DPA had reported on Tuesday (Sept 5) that eggs contaminated with fipronil had been found in 40 countries, including 24 of the European Union's 28 member states.

AVA said that according to media reports, the contaminated eggs were sold to shipping companies, some of which were from Singapore.

"We have verified with the Singapore shipping companies that the eggs were meant for their shipping crews' consumption," AVA said.

It explained that the eggs were not distributed or sold here, and have advised the companies to discard any remaining ones.

The agency said that Singapore's egg supply comes from hen farms locally and in Malaysia.

Inspection and sampling of the eggs and hen farms are done regularly, to ensure they meet the food safety and animal health standards and requirements.

"We have tested locally produced and imported eggs, and samples of egg products and poultry from Europe, and found them free from fipronil."

"We will continue to monitor the situation in Europe and work with stakeholders to ensure eggs in Singapore are safe for consumption."