Less than a week after lifting the suspension on kueh maker Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh for using sorbic acid in its kueh products, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) revoked its suspension on four more companies as lab test results for the food additive came back negative.
Based on the results given, SFA lifted the suspension of the five kueh manufacturers as adequate measures have since been put in place, said SFA on Aug 2.
The five kueh makers are Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh Pte Ltd, Thomson Foodstuff Manufacturing, Delight Baker Pte Ltd, AMK Nonya Kueh Pte Ltd, and Lim Food Industries.
These companies have provided test results conducted by accredited third-party laboratories showing their production is free from benzoic acid or sorbic acid, said SFA.
In a media release on Jul 27, SFA announced the suspension of nine local kueh manufacturers’ operations for improper usage of food additives.
“Under the Singapore Food Regulations, the use of benzoic acid or sorbic acid is not allowed in kueh products, except for its filling, which should not exceed the maximum permissible limit” of 1,000ppm, said SFA.
Responding to the update, netizens wondered why business operations were being suspended before confirming the presence of the food additives.
“Something going on here? Why suddenly suspending so many food manufacturers at one go??? Those victims should join hands to sue them for damages to their brand logo and business losses,” said Facebook user Charles Jtl.
In its earlier announcement, SFA said it would review internal procedures to improve communication.
The agency initially informed Jian Bo on Apr 12 if sorbic acid was allowed in their food, to which SFA replied that it was allowed in kueh products up to 1,000ppm.
The company was informed of the correct ingredient limitation on Apr 20, which was when it stopped using sorbic acid in its products.
SFA then suspended production of the affected products; however, Jian Bo submitted lab test results by a third-party accredited lab which stated that the products did not contain sorbic acid.
Jian Bo admitted that the suspension has negatively impacted the business. “It affected our reputation and brand name and most importantly, shaken our customers’ confidence in our products.” /TISG