Recall of Gold Plum Vinegar from China due to presence of undeclared allergen, sulphur dioxide

Update on 5 Nov 2024: The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has conducted further investigations into Gold Plum Vinegar imported from China by Goy Chiap Hin Pte Ltd and found that the product does not contain sulphur dioxide.

SFA had recalled the product (Gold Plum Vinegar – 550ml with Best Before 30/6/2027) on 18 September 2024, following the detection of sulphur dioxide, an allergen which was not declared on the food packaging label, during its routine regulatory sampling under SFA’s Market Monitoring Programme. As the importer had completed the recall, SFA revoked the direction on 3 October 2024. Following SFA’s engagement with the importer, SFA conducted further investigations and found that the testing methodology used to test for sulphur dioxide had led to a false positive result. While this methodology used to test for sulphur dioxide is internationally accredited for most food products, SFA has reviewed and put in place a suitable testing method for sulphur dioxide in vinegar products.

The product is now allowed for sale in Singapore. Consumers who have purchased the product can continue to consume it.

1. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has detected sulphur dioxide in Gold Plum Vinegar imported from China by Goy Chiap Hin Pte Ltd, which was not declared on the food packaging label.

2. As sulphur dioxide is an allergen, SFA has directed the importer, Goy Chiap Hin Pte Ltd, to recall the implicated products. The recall is ongoing.

3. Allergen in food could result in allergic reaction to individuals who are sensitive to it.  Presence of excessive levels of sulphur dioxide in food could result in allergenic reactions in individuals who are hypersensitive to sulphite¹  , with symptoms such as hives, itchiness, stomachache, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Under Singapore’s Food Regulations, food products containing ingredients that are known to cause hypersensitivity must be declared on food packaging labels to protect consumers with food allergies. All ingredients in prepacked food should also be specified on the product label in descending order of the proportions by weight in which they are present.
   

4. Sulphite does not pose a food safety issue to consumers at large, except for those that are intolerant of or allergic to sulphites. Consumers who have purchased the affected product, and who are intolerant of or allergic to sulphites, should not consume them. Those who are intolerant of or allergic to sulphites and have consumed the implicated product should seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries.


5. Details of the products are as follows:

Implicated Product Product name: Gold Plum Vinegar – 550ml Best Before  date: 30/6/2027 Country of  origin: China Importer: Goy Chiap Hin Pte Ltd

¹Sulphite is commonly used as a food additive and is typically tested for as sulphur dioxide (angaseous substance)