SFA Recalled Chilli Powder After Cancer-Causing Toxins Were Detected

If you’re Asian, you’re biologically obliged to like chilli.

There’s just something about chilli and its spicy kick that enhances the flavour of almost anything you eat, including chocolate (don’t knock it until you try it).

Why else would the McSpicy be one of the most popular items on McDonald’s menu despite its devastating effects on our stomachs?

For those who like to incorporate chilli into their meals but are too lazy to cut them up or grind them, chilli powder is a convenient alternative.

However, if you bought this brand of chilli powder recently, you might want to chuck it in the bin.

SFA Recalled Chilli Powder After Cancer-Causing Toxins Were Detected

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is advising consumers not to consume a batch of a chilli powder product after it was found to contain high levels of a cancer-causing toxin.

The affected batch of “Earthen Pot” brand chilli powder is now being recalled by the SFA.

Produced by Nims, a local manufacturer, the affected batch of chilli powder was found to contain aflatoxins, a family of toxins produced by certain fungi.

“Aflatoxins can occur in foods, as a result of fungal contamination before and after harvest under warm and humid conditions,” SFA said.

But since they are known to be genotoxic and carcinogenic, exposure to them through food should be kept as low as possible, the agency said.

In the affected batch of chilli powder, the aflatoxin that was detected exceeded permitted levels.

Besides causing cancer, aflatoxins can also cause immunosuppression and birth defects, according to the World Health Organisation. 

What’s more, if consumed in large doses, it can even lead to acute poisoning, which could be life-threatening.

Consumers Advised Not to Consume Affected Batch

The implicated batch of Earthen Pot’s chilli powder has an expiry date of 28 June 2023, and comes in package sizes of 100g and 250g.

The SFA advised consumers who have purchased the implicated product not to consume it.

“Those who have consumed the implicated product and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries,” it added.

Satay Seasoning Product Recalled Due to High Levels of Aflatoxins 

Earlier this year in March, a satay seasoning product was recalled after it was found to contain aflatoxins that exceeding permitted levels.

The product in question was Li Kwong Agencies Co’s Instant Satay Spices.

Batches that had the expiry date of 19 Jan 2022 and were sold in 50g and 500g packets were recalled.

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Featured Image: Singapore Food Agency