SFA orders recall of Instant Satay Spices over high levels of cancer-causing aflatoxins

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has ordered food manufacturer Li Kwong Agencies Co to recall batches of its Instant Satay Spices product.

This was after the Singapore-made product was found to contain cancer-causing aflatoxins exceeding the maximum standards set out in the Singapore Food Regulations, it said in a statement on Monday (March 15).

The affected batches have an expiry date of Jan 19, 2022, and are in 50g or 500g packets. 

Aflatoxins are known to be genotoxic, meaning they can damage the genetic material of cells and result in mutations, which could lead to cancer. 

They are also known to be carcinogenic, which means they can cause cancer.

Exposure to aflatoxins through food should, therefore, be kept as low as possible, SFA said.

Aflatoxins can occur in food such as groundnuts, on account of fungal contamination before and after harvest. 

“As the manufacturer also processes other peanut products, SFA is conducting further investigations and stepping up checks on its products.”

Responding to TODAY’s queries on Wednesday, Li Kwong Agencies Co said it aimed to finish the recall within 10 days from March 13.

The manufacturer added that it would also be testing raw ingredients for aflatoxins before production.

“Only supplies that meet the safe level will be used. Products will also be tested for extra assurance,” it said.

SFA is advising consumers who have bought the affected batches of Instant Satay Spices not to use them. Those who have ingested the product and are concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

Consumers may contact staff members at their point of purchase if they have questions, SFA said.

Three weeks ago, SFA directed food manufacturer Sing Long Foodstuff Trading to recall all batches of its Ground Peanut Powder with Sugar product, after it was similarly found to contain high levels of aflatoxins.