Salmon from Norway recalled due to bacteria: SFA

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a recall for fresh Atlantic salmon from Norway after a batch produced on July 25 was detected with listeria monocytogenes.

A Norwegian supplier had informed the local importer of the product, Yu Fish Pte Ltd, of the presence of the bacteria.

In a press release on Wednesday (July 31), the SFA said that it had directed the importer to recall the products, with the process currently ongoing.

Consumers who have purchased the Atlantic salmon from Norway should cook the fish thoroughly before consumption as it kills the listeria monocytogenes bacteria, the SFA said.

“Those who are unsure if the salmon they purchased are affected can approach the retail outlet from which the purchase was made to check,” it added.

Listeria monocytogenes may cause a bacterial infection called listeriosis.

The SFA said that the bacteria are transmitted by the consumption of contaminated food items and cannot be spread from person to person.

“Individuals who consumed listeria-contaminated food may not develop any disease. For those who fall ill due to the consumption of contaminated food, many experience mild symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, preceded by diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal symptoms,” said the SFA.

It added that the key to prevention of listeriosis lies in hand hygiene, safe handling, cooking and consumption of food.

In a statement on Thursday, the Norwegian Seafood Council — which according to its website works together with Norwegian fisheries and the aquaculture industry to develop markets for Norwegian seafood — said it was aware of the recall here.

The council said it had spoken to the affected salmon importer, and learnt that the strain of listeria monocytogenes was limited to a "specific batch" of salmon, which is being recalled and "handled according to standard procedures".

"Consumers can be sure that the vast majority of fresh Norwegian Atlantic salmon currently in the marketplace is not affected at all and should be considered perfectly safe to eat, both raw and cooked," said the council.

It also urged all seafood stakeholders to check with their suppliers to make sure that they were not affected.