SFA recalls baby food for excessive levels of arsenic

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has recalled three types of infant cereal products after excessive levels of arsenic were detected in them.

The following products were detected to have arsenic at levels exceeding the maximum limit stated in the Singapore Food Regulations:

• Wen’s Baby Cereal Puree Whitebait and Pumpkin

• Wen’s Baby Cereal Puree Whitebait and Purple Sweet Potato

• Holle Organic Wholegrain Cereal Rice

Naoki Trading and Chadil have been directed to recall the affected batches of the product.

Arsenic is a heavy metal found naturally in the earth's crust and in the environment.

Long-term intake of arsenic can cause cancer and skin changes.

"Hence, exposure through food, especially those meant for young children, should be kept as low as possible," SFA said.

"The levels of total arsenic in infant food should not exceed the maximum limit of 0.1ppm.

"To minimise exposure to arsenic, consumers are advised to offer their infants a balanced diet with a wide variety of food."

Food products, including infant food, are regulated for food safety.

They are subjected to SFA’s inspection and surveillance programme, which is based on scientific risk assessment. SFA assesses the food safety risk, such as the known hazards associated with the food, with respect to our food safety requirements, before including the food and the related hazard in our inspection and surveillance programme.

Food products that do not comply with SFA’s food safety regulations will not be allowed for sale in Singapore.

Two of the infant products that were recalled – Wen’s Baby Cereal Puree Whitebait and Pumpkin and Wen’s Baby Cereal Puree Whitebait and Purple Sweet Potato – expire on Sept 15, 2023.

The third product, Holle Organic Wholegrain Cereal Rice, is best before Jan 20, 2024.

Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are advised not to feed them to their children.

Those whose children have consumed the implicated products and have concerns about their children’s health should seek medical advice.

Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries.