The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has mandated a recall of a locally manufactured brand of fish patties after discovering an undeclared egg allergen. The recall, announced on 26 September, affects Fish Burger Ikan Sultan (650g), produced by Tenderfresh Fried & BBQ Chicken Pte Ltd. The egg allergen was not listed on the product’s packaging, posing potential health risks to consumers with egg allergies.
Background
The recall was initiated because egg is a known allergen that can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. According to Singapore’s food laws, all ingredients that may cause hypersensitivity must be clearly declared on food packaging labels to safeguard consumers with food allergies. The SFA’s detection of the undeclared egg allergen in the fish patties necessitated immediate action to prevent any health issues.
Recall of products ongoing
Tenderfresh Fried & BBQ Chicken Pte Ltd has been directed by the SFA to recall the affected products. The recall process is currently ongoing. The SFA emphasised that allergens like egg can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, underscoring the importance of accurate ingredient labelling. All ingredients in prepacked food must be specified on the product label to ensure consumer safety.
Advice for consumers
The SFA clarified that egg does not pose a general food safety issue, except for those with egg intolerance or allergies. Consumers who are intolerant of, or allergic to, egg and have purchased the affected Fish Burger Ikan Sultan should avoid consuming the product. Those who have already consumed the implicated product and have health concerns are advised to seek medical advice. Consumers can also contact their point of purchase for further enquiries.
Related events
This recall follows a similar incident where the SFA detected egg in Bibik’s Choice Fish Nugget (400g), which was not declared on the packaging. The implicated product, imported from Malaysia by Sin Li-Hin Frozen Food, is also undergoing a recall. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring accurate food labelling and the importance of stringent checks to protect consumers with food allergies.
