Despite resuming operations, Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh says damage done to its business is 'not small'

SINGAPORE: On any given morning, business is usually brisk at the Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh stall located in Tiong Bahru Market. But thin crowds marked the first day of the popular stall's reopening on Friday (Jul 29) morning.

Jian Bo was one of nine kueh manufacturers who had their operations suspended by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) due to the improper use of food additives. The suspensions began on Tuesday and were to last until further notice, SFA said on Wednesday.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Jian Bo disputed SFA's findings. It said that the three implicated products identified by the agency – chwee kueh, nine layer kueh and tapioca kueh – do not contain benzoic acid or sorbic acid.

Under the Singapore Food Regulations, the use of benzoic acid and sorbic acid is not allowed in kueh products, with the exception of kueh fillings within permissible limits.

Then in a subsequent Facebook post on Thursday, Jian Bo announced that its suspension had been revoked. It said SFA had reviewed laboratory test reports, and "revoked their earlier direction to impose movement controls, recall and manage food under the Sale of Food Act". 

In response to CNA's queries on Friday, SFA said there was a miscommunication with Jian Bo in April over the permitted use of sorbic acid in products.

It told Jian Bo on Apr 12 that up to 1,000ppm of sorbic acid was allowed in kueh products.

"This was incorrect as sorbic acid is only permitted in kueh filling but not kueh," SFA said, adding that Jian Bo was informed on Apr 20 of the correct legal requirements.

Nevertheless, SFA's inspection on Apr 19 found that the company's nine layer kueh and tapioca kueh had high levels of sorbic acid above the limit of 1,000ppm, leading to its suspension on Jul 26.

The suspension was lifted after Jian Bo provided test results from a third party accredited lab that showed their current production is free from sorbic acid.

QUIET OPERATIONS

On Friday, Jian Bo resumed operations – but the third-generation owner of the family business, Eric Ang, told CNA that the damage had been done. 

At Jian Bo's Tiong Bahru outlet, which CNA visited on Friday morning, there were about 20 customers from 11am to 11.30am. This, stallholders said, was fewer than usual. 

Speaking to CNA over the phone, its 43-year-old owner Mr Ang admitted business has been affected. 

"I think the damage is not small. No doubt, it's been clarified, but still you know, the damage is still there," he said. 

"We don't usually count how many customers we have, but we've heard from our staff on the ground since we just resumed operations today. They say it's quite quiet. It's usually quite busy in the morning, as that's our main crowd." 

Stallholders said that while they haven't had customers ask them about SFA's initial findings, they are prepared to reassure concerned customers. Notices have also been plastered on their stall to explain the incident.  

"I WILL CONTINUE TO EAT IT" 

Customers in line for the stall's famous chwee kueh on Friday told CNA that the stall had been cleared by SFA, so it did not affect their decision to buy its food. A few customers also said they were unaware of the news. 

"I don’t even notice (it was the stall that was affected) until now. I was wondering why the line is a bit short. It’s usually a lot longer. I don't know whether it’s my imagination or it’s coincidental," said Joy Olsen, a customer in her late sixties. 

"I’m not fussy about my chwee kueh, as long as it's chwee kueh. ... (However,) if there were some chemical (in the food), I would not come. At this age, I can't take the risk. But anyway it doesn't bother me; they’ve been cleared so what the heck."

Regular customer Sharon Lin also noted that the initial suspension directive would not sway her from buying from Jian Bo, as she grew up eating the chwee kueh. Moreover, she pointed out that SFA has clarified the issue. 

"Anyway, it's not just available here (at Tiong Bahru Market). It's also in other malls. ... (But) if they hadn't been cleared, that would have affected my decision," said the 38-year-old.

Similarly, another 20-year-old regular customer who did not want to be named said she often eats Jian Bo's chwee kueh as her mother usually purchases it. The events over the last few days would not affect her decision to patronise the stall, she added.

And for another regular, Lawrence Wong, staying loyal to Jian Bo was a no-brainer. The 64-year-old laughed when asked if the news affected his decision to purchase from the stall.  

"I've been eating it for so long, there is no problem. I will continue to eat it," he told CNA in Mandarin. 

In the meantime, owner Mr Ang said Jian Bo is "working on something" to thank their loyal customers who have been supportive and "gain back their confidence in our brand".

Despite a decrease in customers at the moment, the business owner does not begrudge SFA. 

"Everyone is just doing their job properly. And we are still under SFA, we need to work hand in hand. They need to guide us, teach us. We are a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME). For food and beverage SMEs, anything that we don't know, help us," said Mr Ang. 

"We will follow instructions. Because it’s our business at stake, so we won’t risk not following any rules and regulations."