A POPULAR brand of abalone broth has been pulled off shelves in Singapore after customers complained that it smelled foul.
The importer of the New Moon brand broth said it recalled the product yesterday even though internal tests revealed the mixture was free of contaminants. The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is currently investigating.Following complaints that the broth smelled 'unpleasant', the importer, Goh Joo Hin, conducted checks and found that two cans out of 120 had the problem.
It informed the AVA and decided to pull the product from its shelves.
Mr Wayne Goh, the company's chief operating officer, said a production glitch could have prevented the cans from being sealed properly, causing the broth to go bad.
One batch, or 14.8 tonnes of the product, imported in October last year, was affected.
The 400g can of concentrated broth from Thailand is popular during Chinese New Year, when 60 per cent of its yearly imports are sold.
Available for $4.50 at all major supermarkets here, it is commonly used for stir-frying and in steamboat dinners.
No other New Moon product has been affected.
New Moon, which is well known for its seafood products, was introduced to Singapore in 1998 and has since become one of the most popular brands here.
Customers can get a full refund when they return the cans to the Goh Joo Hin customer service centre at Shaw Tower.
New Moon premium abalone broth recalled
Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia 16 Jan 09;
SINGAPORE: The importer of New Moon Brand Premium Abalone Broth Concentrated (400g can) is recalling the product off Singapore shelves.
The company, Goh Joo Hin, is doing that as a precautionary measure following feedback that the product has a bad smell after the can is opened.
Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) says it is investigating the cause of the problem.
It advises consumers who have bought the product not to consume it.
The abalone broth concentrate is a product of Thailand.