Shine Muscat grapes in Singapore are safe to eat, says SFA after concerns over contamination in Thailand

SINGAPORE: Shine Muscat grapes available in Singapore are safe to eat and the fruit is subject to pesticide testing and other quality control measures, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Wednesday (Oct 30).

Concerns about the popular fruit arose last week amid reports from Thailand that said unusually high levels of pesticides were found in various samples.

In response to queries from CNA, the SFA said that its tests for pesticides in Shine Muscat grapes did not reveal levels of residues that pose a food safety risk.

“The SFA will continue to review and monitor the situation to protect public health.”

The SFA added that There are regulations in place to limit the residues of permitted chemicals, such as pesticides, that may remain in food.

It also regularly tests for pesticides in food products. including fruits such as Shine Muscat grapes.

Food products will not be released for sale unless they pass SFA inspection and food safety tests.

Food products, including Shine Muscat grapes, must also be imported by SFA-licensed importers.

“Retailers must ensure that the food they sell comes from sources regulated by the SFA, is prepared or handled in a safe and hygienic manner and does not compromise food safety,” it said.

According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai Pesticide Alert Network warned of contamination of Shine Muscat grapes last week after finding that most of the samples it tested contained harmful chemical residues exceeding maximum permissible levels.

Of the 24 samples collected from various locations, including online stores and supermarkets, 23 samples contained pesticide residues exceeding the legal limit.

Nine samples were imported from China, while the country of origin of the remaining 15 could not be determined.

In a statement, the SFA said Shine Muscat grapes in Singapore are mainly imported from countries such as China, South Korea and Japan.

In response to questions from CNA, a FairPrice Group spokesman said all of its products, including Shine Muscat grapes, are regularly tested to ensure they meet “strict standards” for freshness and safety.

“In light of the recent incident in Thailand, our food safety department is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to review all relevant information to ensure the continued safety of our products.”

The supermarket chain sells Shine Muscat grapes produced in Japan, Korea and China.

CNA has also contacted cold storage operator and Giant Dairy Farm Group, Sheng Siong and Dong Dong Donki for more information.

The SFA said consumers can “play their part” to ensure the fruit they buy is safe to eat.

“Wash them thoroughly before consuming,” the agency said, adding that gently wiping the surface of the fruit while rinsing can help remove pesticide residues.

“Peeling the fruit can help remove pesticide residues since most of the residues are on the surface of the fruit.”