Four Seasons Durian will refund affected customers following the Singapore Food Agency’s (SFA) recall of its durian mooncakes on Sep. 12. High levels of Bacillus cereus, a bacteria causing food poisoning, were detected in the Mini D24 Durian Mooncake, prompting the recall.
Background
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) discovered that the levels of Bacillus cereus in the mooncakes exceeded the maximum limits set by Singapore law. Bacillus cereus is a common bacterium found in the environment and in the intestinal tracts of insects and mammals. It can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. As a result, all batches of the product have been recalled.
Bacteria linked to food poisoning found, all batches recalled
SFA’s findings revealed that the contamination levels of Bacillus cereus in the mooncakes were significantly higher than permissible limits. This bacterium is a well-known cause of food poisoning, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms. The recall affects all batches of the Mini D24 Durian Mooncake, and consumers are advised not to consume the product.
Four Seasons Durian apologises, to issue refunds
In an Instagram story on Sep. 12, Four Seasons Durian emphasised that the safety and well-being of its customers remain the “highest priority.” The company has marked the product as sold out and removed listings to prevent further purchases. “We deeply regret any concern or inconvenience this may cause and are taking immediate action to resolve the issue,” the company stated in their product recall notice.
Customers who have purchased the mooncakes are urged not to consume them and can initiate a refund process by bringing the product to its outlets at NEX and Century Square or its Mid-Autumn Festival kiosks at Takashimaya or Vivo City, along with the receipt by Sep. 14, 2024. Four Seasons Durian thanked customers for their “continued trust” and mentioned that additional safety measures are being implemented in collaboration with health authorities to prevent similar incidents.
Future implications and safety measures
Four Seasons Durian is working closely with health authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The company is implementing additional safety measures to enhance product safety and quality control. This incident highlights the importance of stringent food safety regulations and the need for manufacturers to adhere to these standards to protect consumer health.
