Hup Seng insists crackers are safe for consumption after claims that they contain flammable plastic

The Star / Asia News Network
Sunday, Jul 31, 2016

Biscuit and crackers manufacturer Hup Seng has rubbished allegations that their products including their Ping Pong Special Cream Crackers are not safe for consumption.

"With regards to the case of burning biscuits, we would like to share that it is the characteristic of flour or oil related food products that they will combust or burn.

"However, this ability to combust has no direct correlation or effect on food safety. Our Hup Seng Ping Pong Special Cream Crackers are safe for consumption," they said in a statement.

The company released this statement following a video claiming that the crackers were coated with a layer of plastic.

The video was uploaded by Facebook user Emo-ji on July 29 in which he had burnt the cracker with a lighter and claimed that the melting cracker could have contained synthetic material and that it was not safe to be eaten.

Hup Seng said the video clip was intended to tarnish the company's product image and reputation.

It also said that a lab test in 2011 showed that plasticizers were not detected in the Special Crackers.

"Recently, we have sent our Special Cream Crackers for lab test on plasticizers again and we will announce the results as soon as we obtain them," they said.

AsiaOne update:

A Hup Seng executive told AsiaOne that the company would consider taking legal action on those who spread false information on its products.

The company also issued a statement on its Facebook page:

"We refer to the recent video clips circulating on the internet by disreputable and hostile individuals intended to tarnish the company's product image and reputation.

With regards to the case of burning biscuits, we would like to share that it is the characteristic of flour and/or oil related food products that they will combust or burn. However, this ability to combust has no direct correlation or effect on food safety. Our Hup Seng Ping Pong Special Cream Crackers are safe for consumption.

In 2011, we submitted our Hup Seng Ping Pong Special Cream Crackers for lab test on plasticizers and obtained proof that plasticizers were not detected. Recently, we have sent our Special Cream Crackers for lab test on plasticizers again and we will announce the results as soon as we obtain them.

We sincerely thank all the supporters who love our Special Cream Crackers. As our gratitude for your loyal support, we continuously adopt strict process to produce Special Cream Crackers that are safe for consumption."