3 Additionally, SFA has confirmed that a Singapore-based manufacturer, SMC Nutrition, had used the same raw ingredient in some of their infant formula products meant for export. We have directed SMC Nutrition to stop the export of the affected products and notified the competent authority of the importing country.
4 There is one case who had consumed the affected product with mild symptoms likely associated with cereulide exposure. The case has since recovered. Currently, there are no definitive clinical laboratory tests to confirm cereulide poisoning. The Communicable Diseases Agency is working closely with SFA and is conducting surveillance with medical practitioners to monitor for potential cases of cereulide poisoning in children.
5 Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus bacterium, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea. The symptoms, which typically appear between 30 minutes to six hours from consumption of an affected food item, will usually resolve within 24 hours. Vulnerable populations, such as infants and immunocompromised persons, are at higher risk for complications.
6 The implicated batches of imported infant formula products make up less than five per cent of our imported supply of infant formula products. They are a minority of the diversity of infant formula products in Singapore. SFA will continue to engage importers and manufacturers to monitor the situation closely.
7 Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised not to feed them to their children. Those whose children have consumed these products and are unwell should seek medical advice promptly. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for product enquiries.
