SINGAPORE - The packet of salted egg fish skin snack that contained a dead lizard was manufactured at Irvins Salted Egg's previous premises, which ceased operations in November last year, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said.
That facility is understood to be located at Admiralty Street.
In a statement on Monday (Feb 11), AVA said that it has completed investigations into the Singapore-based food company, after a Bangkok customer found a dead lizard coated with salted egg in a packet of the popular snack last month.
AVA said that it has since inspected Irvins' current premises and told the company to improve its quality control checks.
Quality control checks include conducting regular refresher training for quality control operators, sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers and conducting regular audits.
"Irvins has made improvements in these areas, as well as stepped up inspections on the production line," AVA said.
The authority added that it will continue to do periodic audits and enforcement checks on the company.
ST understands that no further action will be taken against the company, whose new production facility is in JTC Food Hub in Senoko Drive.
The Straits Times has contacted Irvins Salted Egg.
Irvins Salted Egg, which has at least 13 outlets in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines, manufactures all its products in Singapore.
Locals and tourists often stand in line to snap up its products, which come with a "dangerously addictive" label on its packaging.
In a Facebook post on Dec 29 last year, Ms Jane Holloway, 38, said that her mother and brother had eaten half the bag of Irvins Salted Egg Fish Skin before they discovered the dead reptile.
Ms Holloway, who lives in Bangkok, told ST that she bought the product in early November from international supermarket Villa Market at K Village in the Khlong Toei district.
Her Facebook post quickly went viral, with many netizens calling on the Singapore authorities to take action in response to the case.
Irvins Salted Egg founder Irvin Gunawan later said that customers who bought salted egg snacks expiring on Oct 16 this year or those who were uncomfortable eating them could request for a refund.
Even as AVA continues to carry out periodic checks, it also urged food manufacturers to be responsible in complying with food safety standards or requirements as well as maintaining robust food safety management systems.
Consumers should also adhere to good food safety practices, AVA said in its statement.
Some good food safety guidelines for consumers include the following:
- Examine packaged food carefully. Do not buy if the packaging is damaged or open as it may contain harmful microorganisms that could cause food poisoning.
- Keep foodstuff - such as coffee, tea, powdered milk and biscuits - in clean, air-tight containers, away from heat and moisture.
- Inspect food regularly for insect infestation, mould, and other signs of spoilage. Discard when necessary.
- Check food storage cupboards regularly to ensure that it is free from insect infestation or contamination.
- Keep cupboards meant for food storage uncluttered and clean.
This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.