Mooncakes recalled after finding high levels of toxin, bacteria causing food poisoning
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SFA said it detected S. aureus bacteria in Joymom’s Musang King Snowskin Mooncake (left) and aflatoxins in Fragrance’s Single Yolk Lotus Paste Baked Mooncake.
PHOTOS: SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY
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SINGAPORE - Two brands of mooncakes – Joymom’s Musang King Snowskin Mooncake and Fragrance’s Single Yolk Lotus Paste Baked Mooncake – were recalled by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) after they were found to contain high levels of a toxin and bacteria that cause food poisoning.
SFA said in a statement on Wednesday that it detected Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in Joymom’s Musang King Snowskin Mooncake.
It found aflatoxins, a type of toxin produced by fungus, in Fragrance’s Single Yolk Lotus Paste Baked Mooncake.
Both substances were present at levels exceeding the maximum limits stated in Singapore’s food regulations, it said.
The importers of the products, Taste Right and Fragrance Foodstuff, were directed by the agency on Wednesday to recall the mooncakes. The recall process is ongoing.
S. aureus is commonly found in the environment and on human skin or in noses, and can cause food poisoning when it is introduced into food during the production process, particularly when good hand hygiene is not practised, said SFA.
Symptoms can include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
Aflatoxins can contaminate food as a result of fungal contamination, and are known to be genotoxic and carcinogenic, meaning they can damage DNA and cause cancer, the agency said.
Foods that can be contaminated include cereals, nuts, oilseeds and processed foods containing these ingredients. It is crucial to keep exposure to aflatoxins as low as possible.
The expiry date of Joymom’s Musang King Snowskin Mooncake is March 5, 2024 and Fragrance’s Single Yolk Lotus Paste Baked Mooncake expires on Oct 20, 2023.
Both products were imported from Malaysia.
People who bought the affected mooncakes are advised not to eat them, said SFA. Those who have already consumed the products and are concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
Customers who have inquiries can contact the place they bought the mooncakes from.
