12-9-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a startling development that has sent ripples through the local culinary scene, Singapore’s food safety authority has mandated an immediate recall of a beloved Mid-Autumn Festival treat. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) announced on Thursday that all batches of Four Seasons Durian’s mini D24 durian mooncakes must be withdrawn from the market due to alarming levels of a potentially harmful bacterium.
The agency’s routine testing uncovered the presence of Bacillus cereus in quantities that surpassed the permissible thresholds outlined in Singapore’s stringent food regulations. This ubiquitous microorganism, typically found in natural environments and within the digestive systems of insects and mammals, is a notorious culprit behind numerous cases of food-borne illnesses.
Health experts warn that consumption of food contaminated with Bacillus cereus can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms. These may include feelings of nausea, episodes of vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhoea. The SFA has emphasized that the bacterium’s spores possess remarkable resilience, capable of enduring extreme temperatures and persisting through various food processing methods.
In light of these findings, the food safety watchdog has issued a strong advisory to the public. Consumers who have already purchased the affected mooncakes are urged to refrain from eating them and to promptly contact their retailer for further guidance. Those who may have already consumed the product and are experiencing health concerns are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
