PETALING JAYA: The excessive levels of E.coli bacteria found in a mooncake product may have been caused by mishandling at a third-party warehouse, says bakery chain Baker’s Cottage.
The company said it ensured compliance with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) standards before exporting its products to Singapore.
However, Baker’s Cottage claimed the mooncakes were improperly handled during transit and stored at an unnamed third-party facility, leading to "product deterioration".
The mooncakes were imported by Ewayz Pte Ltd, according to the SFA.
"We sincerely regret the situation and are taking immediate steps to rectify it,"the company said in a statement yesterday.
"Ensuring the quality and safety of our products remains our highest priority, and we are implementing measures to prevent similar issues in the future."
The mooncakes were reported to have E.coli levels exceeding Singapore’s maximum allowable limits as per its food regulations.
The SFA has initiated a recall of the affected products, which have a Dec 31, 2024, expiry date, as a precautionary measure.
E.coli, a bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, can contaminate food during production if proper hygiene practices are not followed.