Muis Completed Tests on Halal-Certified Food by Li Chuan & Found No Trace of Pork

Around a week ago, Muslim residents in Singapore received the troubling news that pork DNA had been found in two of Li Chuan’s food products – Li Chuan Fish Ball and Li Chuan Cuttlefish Ball.

The authorities in Brunei had discovered the porcine DNA during their sample routine testing.

Subsequently, they informed the the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), who immediately recalled the product and commenced investigations.

And now we have a definitive answer on whether there really are traces of pork in the two  products.

Muis Completed Tests on Halal-Certified Food by Li Chuan & Found No Trace of Pork

The short answer is no.

After conducting laboratory tests on the affected products, Muis said no traces of pork have been found in the two halal food items produced by Li Chuan Food Products.

After being alerted by the authorities in Brunei, Muis conducted a thorough inspection of the production plant in Singapore.

The council then retrieved samples from the affected batch and sent them for testing.

It even instructed Li Chuan to recall the affected products from the local market and cease their export.

On Friday (5 Feb), Muis announced that tests at three different laboratories found no porcine DNA in food samples.

One of the laboratories involved is the National Centre for Food Science, under the Singapore Food Agency.

Plus, the council concluded that the facility which produced the two food products adhered to all the requirements of the Muis halal management system and only used approved ingredients in the food preparation.

Sales of Both Products Will Resume

Good news for both Li Chuan and Muslim residents who enjoyed the two products: the company will be permitted to resume sales of the two products here.

Muis also assured consumers that Li Chuan products in Singapore meet its requirements of halal certification.

However, Li Chuan will still have to review its supply chain for exports, to determine if their products comply with requirements in other countries.

Muis Does Not Adopt Porcine DNA Testing

Last week, Muis said it takes a different approach to that of the Brunei authorities’ in conducting food checks.

Instead of routine porcine DNA tests, it undertakes random sampling of high-risk food products such as meat and meat-based processed items.

“Muis does not adopt routine porcine DNA testing in its processes as we are of the view that DNA testing should be employed only when there is a robust understanding and framework developed, that is agreed upon by religious scholars and experts.

“Muis will continue to monitor the development of porcine DNA testing technology and assess whether it is necessary to include such testing as part of Singapore’s Halal certification process.”

For now, the council will be in touch with the Brunei authorities to clarify their test results to minimise public confusion.

Featured Image: Facebook (Linda Amin)