SINGAPORE - The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) ordered a recall of Starfresh bottled drinking water on Wednesday (June 12) after bacteria was found in samples of the product.

SFA said that the bacterium strain - Pseudomonas aeruginosa - was detected during a routine sampling of the product, which was imported from Malaysia.

The agency instructed the product's importer, Radha Exports, to recall all the implicated products.

Radha Exports is behind the ABC Bargain Centre and ValuDollar chain of stores in Singapore.

The products that have been recalled are the 1.5l Starfresh bottles of water that expire on May 13, 2021, and the 500ml Starfresh bottles of water that expire on May 11, 2021.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common environmental bacterium and can be found in faeces, soil, water and sewage.

It can multiply in water environments and also on the surface of suitable organic materials in contact with water.

SFA said that the use or consumption of products contaminated with this bacteria can cause a range of infections, but will rarely cause serious illnesses in healthy individuals.

It also advised consumers who have purchased the implicated products not to consume them.

In response to queries, a spokesman for Radha Exports said that the company was notified by the authorities about the test results on Wednesday.

All of the affected bottles have been recalled from the shelves, the spokesman said, adding that customers who bought the affected products will be given a full refund.

"The water originated from one of our factories in Malaysia. There are no affected bottles on sale in the market at the moment," the spokesman added.

Those who have consumed the implicated product and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice, said the agency.

Consumers who have inquiries or wish to exchange their products may contact Radha Exports on 6220-2777.