Singapore’s Shine Muscat grapes are safe to eat, says SFA after Thailand contamination concerns

SINGAPORE: Shine Muscat grapes available in Singapore are safe for consumption, with the fruit undergoing pesticide tests and other quality control measures, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Wednesday (Oct 30).

Concerns about the popular fruit emerged last week amid reports from Thailand that unusually high levels of pesticides were found in a variety of samples.

In response to CNA’s questions, the SFA said its tests for pesticides in Shine Muscat grapes did not detect levels of residues that are of concern for food safety.

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

The SFA added that has regulations in place to restrict the amount of residual chemicals allowed, such as pesticides, that can remain in food.

They also routinely test for pesticides in food, including fruits such as Shine Muscat grapes.

Food will not be allowed for sale unless it passes SFA inspection and food safety tests.

Food products, including Shine Muscat grapes, must also be imported by importers authorized by the SFA.

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

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

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

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

The SFA said in its statement that Singapore’s Shine Muscat grapes are mainly imported from countries such as China, South Korea and Japan.

In response to CNA’s questions, a spokesperson for the FairPrice Group said all its products, including Shine Muscat grapes, undergo regular quality checks to ensure they meet “rigorous standards” of 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 sourced from Japan, Korea and China.

CNA also contacted Cold Storage and Giant Dairy Farm Group operator Sheng Siong and Don Don 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 consumption,” the agency said, adding that gently rubbing the fruit’s surface while rinsing can help remove pesticide residues.

“Peeling fruit skin can help remove pesticide residues, as most residues are found on the surface of the fruit.”