FairPrice offers refunds after Atlantic salmon recalled due to presence of bacteria

NTUC FairPrice (FairPrice) is offering full refunds to customers who purchased the Atlantic salmon from its Northpoint City outlet after it was recalled by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

The SFA recalled the fresh Atlantic salmon after the bacteria, listeria monocytogenes, was detected in a sample produced on July 25.

The product was imported from Norway by Yu Fish Pte Ltd and SFA has since directed the importer to recall the product. The recall is ongoing.

The implicated product belongs to batch number 6751, with a plant number F430.

Consumers who have purchased Atlantic salmon from Norway are advised to cook the salmon thoroughly before consumption as thorough cooking kills listeria monocytogenes.

Those who are unsure if the salmon they purchased is affected can check with the retail outlet from which the purchase was made.

On Thursday (August 1), an NTUC FairPrice (FairPrice) spokesman said: "NTUC FairPrice (FairPrice) has concluded a product recall of an affected batch of Atlantic salmon sourced from Norway, in compliance with SFA's recall notification on Thursday (July 31). 

"The entire batch was withdrawn before it was available for sale, with the exception of one store – FairPrice at Northpoint City.

"Customers who purchased Atlantic salmon from Norway from FairPrice at Northpoint City on July 30 may return it to the same store with their receipt for a full refund by August 15.

"Customers with queries may contact FairPrice at the Customer Relations Hotline at 6552 2722 or through email at general.feedback@fairprice.com.sg."

Listeria monocytogenes may cause a bacterial infection called listeriosis.

The bacteria is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food items and cannot be spread from person to person.

Individuals who consumed listeria-contaminated food may not develop any disease.

Mild symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, preceded by diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, may arise if listeria-contaminated food is consumed. 

Preventing listeriosis involves safe handling, cooking and consumption of food, and hand hygiene.

People can reduce the risk of listeriosis by:

  • Thoroughly washing vegetables and fruits before eating, and peel them if necessary.
  • Thoroughly cooking seafood and food from animal sources i.e. beef, pork, poultry, etc.
  • Keeping uncooked meats separate from vegetables, fruits, cooked and ready-to-eat food
  • Avoiding raw (unpasteurised) milk or foods make from raw milk
  • Washing hands and kitchen utensils, such as knives and cutting boards, after handling raw food
  • Using separate sets of knives and cutting board for raw and cooked food