Singapore Issues Recall for China Walnut Products Over Prohibited Sweeteners

By Thea Felicity

May 24, 2024 02:41 PM EDT

CHINA-ECONOMY-HEALTH-FOOD-LIFESTYLE-OFFBEAT
TO GO WITH China-economy-health-food-lifestyle-offbeat,FEATURE by Tom Hancock This picture taken on September 11, 2014 shows Li Zhanhua, a Chinese farmer, showing his walnuts at his home in Laishui town, in China's Hebei province. Grinning with pride, a Chinese farmer held out two precious walnuts -- globes so precisely symmetrical that consumers in search of hand massages value them more highly than gold.
(Photo : WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a recall for two Xiyuguoyuan Xinjiang Paper Roasted Walnut products due to the presence of cyclamate and excessive amounts of acesulfame K, both prohibited sweeteners, according Channel News Asia. 

While these additives are permitted in certain food items, such as soft drinks and canned fruits, their use in walnuts and other nut and seed products is currently prohibited. 

The affected products, originating from China and available in 500g packs and 1kg boxes, have prompted SFA to direct the importer, Hong Xin Da, to initiate a recall. 

READ NEXT: Australia Issues Urgent Recall for Some Asian Products Owing to Possible Undeclared Allergen

Health Risks with Walnuts

It's worth noting that there is currently an absence of immediate health risks associated with consuming these walnuts, however, SFA advises against prolonged excessive consumption of the sweeteners. 

As a precautionary measure, SFA is actively conducting sampling and testing of nuts and seeds products in Singapore and pledges to recall any items found to contain non-permitted sweeteners. 

Consumers who have purchased the implicated products are urged to seek medical advice if concerned about their health and to contact the retailers from which they bought the items for further assistance.

This news follows a report from VCPost stating there has been recalls for several asian products exported to Australia due to a possible undeclared allergen, which is now currently under investigation.

READ MORE: In Japan, More Than 100,000 Packs of Sliced Bread Recalled After Rat Parts Found Inside

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