August 14, 2023

Singapore recalls Ukrainian eggs over salmonella contamination

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has initiated a recall of eggs that were imported from a farm in Ukraine due to the detection of salmonella, Channel News Asia reported.

The presence of salmonella in these eggs has prompted the SFA to take action. The affected eggs can be identified by the imprint "CEUA001" on their shells. This specific farm code is applicable to all batches of eggs affected by the recall.

The Ukrainian farm responsible for the affected eggs, LCC Yasensvit, has been suspended from exporting eggs to Singapore. The suspension will only be lifted after the farm addresses and resolves the issue of salmonella enteritidis contamination, according to the agency.

Salmonella enteritidis, a bacterium that can lead to foodborne illnesses, can be eradicated through proper cooking. The SFA advises that eggs are safe to consume when thoroughly cooked. The agency has directed importers to take precautionary measures by either withholding or recalling the impacted eggs.

Salmonella infection may result in symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. While most cases resolve within a week, the bacterium can lead to severe infections in vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

As a preventive measure, consumers who have purchased the affected eggs are advised to ensure thorough cooking before consumption. Those who have already consumed the eggs and are experiencing health issues should seek medical attention.

Major Singapore supermarket chain FairPrice has promptly removed the affected eggs from its shelves and is offering customers a full refund if they return the eggs to FairPrice stores by August 15.

-      Channel News Asia