Ceres 100% Apple Juice recalled due to patulin contamination

Batches of Ceres 100% Apple Juice are being recalled after elevated levels of patulin were detected, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a statement on Friday (Oct 15).

The move comes after the International Food Safety Authorities Network informed SFA of the recall of the apple juice products.

The manufacturer's in-house testing had detected elevated levels of patulin.

SFA said patulin can occur in fruits such as apples, due to fungal contamination before and after harvest.

The level of patulin detected may cause the products to be unsafe for consumption if there is long-term intake.

The ingestion of large amounts of patulin from food is associated with nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting.

However, brief exposure without excessive intake is unlikely to pose health issues.

The detected levels exceed the maximum limit in fruit juices as stated in the Singapore Food Regulations, SFA said.

It advises those who bought the apple juice to not drink it, and to seek medical advice if they have already done so and are concerned about their health.

The importer, Naspac Marketing, has been directed to recall the implicated batches of product and the recall is ongoing.