SFA says high levels of sorbic acid found in Jian Bo’s kueh in April despite miscommunication over use of additive
The Singapore Food Agency also said it will review its internal procedures after a miscommunication over the use of food additives in Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh’s products.
A photo of rainbow layer kueh posted on Facebook by Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh. (Photo: Facebook/Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh)
SINGAPORE: High levels of sorbic acid were found in two of Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh's products during an inspection in April, said the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Friday (Jul 29), even as the agency acknowledged a miscommunication with the manufacturer over the use of the additive in food products.
Jian Bo, which is registered as Tiong Bahru Tian Bo Shui Kueh, was one of nine kueh manufacturers which had their operations suspended by SFA earlier this week due to the improper use of food additives.
Jian Bo on Wednesday disputed SFA's findings. It said in a Facebook post that the three implicated products identified by the agency – chwee kueh, nine layer kueh and tapioca kueh – did not contain benzoic acid or sorbic acid.
It announced on Thursday that its suspension had been revoked after SFA reviewed its laboratory test reports.
In response to CNA's queries on Friday, SFA said that it corresponded with Jian Bo on Apr 12 after the food business sought information on whether sorbic acid is allowed.
“SFA informed (Tiong Bahru Tian Bo Shui Kueh) that sorbic acid is allowed in kueh products, up to the maximum permissible limits of 1,000ppm.
"This was incorrect as sorbic acid is only permitted in kueh filling but not kueh,” said SFA, adding that the business was informed on Apr 20 of the correct legal requirements regarding this preservative.
Under the Singapore Food Regulations, the use of benzoic acid and sorbic acid are not allowed in kueh products, except for its filling. If used in filling, it must not exceed the maximum permissible limits of 1,000ppm.
HIGH LEVELS OF SORBIC ACID
As part of its ongoing enforcement efforts, SFA said it conducted an inspection on Jian Bo on Apr 19.
Samples of chwee kueh, nine layer kueh and tapioca kueh were taken for laboratory testing.
“Notwithstanding the miscommunication by SFA on the permitted use of sorbic acid in kueh products, we found two products (nine layer kueh and tapioca kueh) to contain high levels of sorbic acid above the limit of 1,000ppm.
“As these were not in compliance with food safety requirements, and after investigations, SFA suspended on Jul 26 the production, distribution and sale of the affected products from Tiong Bahru Tian Bo Shui Kueh,” said the agency.
On Jul 27, the kueh manufacturer provided test results which were conducted by a third-party accredited lab.
SFA said the results showed that Jian Bo's current production is free from sorbic acid. Based on the results given, the agency said it lifted the suspension as adequate measures have since been put in place, in compliance with the Singapore Food Regulations.
“SFA has since revoked the suspension order. Tiong Bahru Tian Bo Shui Kueh is now allowed to resume with its production, distribution and sale of the three kueh products.”
“We regret the miscommunication to Tiong Bahru Tian Bo Shui Kueh that had given them the wrong impression that up to 1,000ppm of sorbic acid was permitted in the production of their kueh products,” said SFA.
The agency added that it will review internal procedures to ensure that food safety requirements are communicated fully and accurately to food manufacturers.
