Singapore recalls coffee premix from Malaysia

Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore says the product was taken off the shelves as a precautionary measure and samples are being subjected to tests.

SINGAPORE: The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) today instructed a recall of Coffee Tree MyCafe “4-in-1 Penang Durian White Coffee” from Malaysia as a precautionary measure.

“Consumers who have purchased the product can return them to the retailer,” it said in a message on Facebook.

It said that it had followed up with its counterparts in Malaysia to request for facts on the case following reports of consumers in Malaysia being hospitalised after drinking the coffee.

AVA also said it would be taking samples for food safety tests.

“Consumers who do not feel well after consuming any food products should seek medical attention. As a good food safety practice, when in doubt of the safety of a food product, do not consume,” it said.

It was reported that five individuals, including two women, were treated at the Penang Hospital after experiencing extreme fatigue and weakness while some also fainted after allegedly drinking the coffee last week.

On Friday, Penang’s northeast district police chief ACP Anuar Omar said an analysis of the coffee sample by the health ministry’s food, safety and quality division in Penang found that it contained a type of drug, but its identity had yet to be ascertained.

He said the analysis of the coffee packet given by an unidentified woman to two Nepali security guards, who were among those affected, showed that it had been opened and sealed back, as the bottom of the packet showed it had been torn.

“The weight of the packet which had been resealed also showed an additional 10 grammes from the original weight of 40 to 50 grammes, and the coffee powder contained a green foreign substance unlike the original coffee premix,” he said.

Anuar said further investigations were still being carried out, including tracking down the woman who gave the coffee premix to the two men.

He said two women were also warded at Penang Hospital for a similar condition after drinking the coffee on Jan 27 from a donor at a temple.

Three others who suffered from fatigue and weakness after drinking the coffee had been discharged after their condition improved. -FMT