Recall of Uncle Yiannis’ Baby Gherkins due to presence of an undeclared allergen, sulphur dioxide

              The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has detected sulphur dioxide in Uncle Yiannis’ Baby Gherkins, which was not declared on the food packaging label. Gherkins are a type of pickled cucumber.

2            As sulphur dioxide is an allergen, SFA has directed the importer Blu Kouzina Pte Ltd to recall the implicated products. The recall is ongoing.

3            Allergens in food could result in allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to them. Excessive levels of sulphur dioxide in food could cause symptoms such as hives, itchiness, stomach-ache, diarrhoea, and vomiting in people who are hypersensitive to sulphite¹. Under Singapore’s Food Regulations, food products containing ingredients that are known to cause hypersensitivity must be declared on food packaging labels to protect consumers with food allergies. All ingredients in prepacked food should also be specified on the product label in descending order of the proportions by weight in which they are present.

4            Sulphite does not pose a food safety issue to consumers at large, except for those who are intolerant of or allergic to sulphites. Consumers who have purchased the affected product, and are intolerant of or allergic to sulphites, should not consume them. Those who have consumed the implicated product should seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries.

5            Details of the products are as follows:

Product name: Uncle Yiannis’ Baby Gherkins (355g) Best Before date: 27/09/2028 Country of origin: Greece

1Sulphites is commonly used as a food additive and is typically tested for as sulphur dioxide (a gaseous substance)