Surveillance on microbiological quality of fermented bean curd cubes

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) recently conducted a targeted surveillance to assess the level of Bacillus cereus in bottled fermented bean curd cubes.

A total of 32 bottled fermented bean curd cube samples of different brands were collected from supermarkets, restaurants and groceries for tests. Twenty-eight samples passed the test.

"Four samples failing the test, namely 'Jin Bole Preserved Beancurd with Sesame Oil(290g) (Best before date: 3.6.2010)', 'Giant Tree Brand Salted Bean Curd Cubes in Brine with Chili (with Sesame Oil)(300g) (Best before date: 5.7.2010)', 'Giant Tree Brand Salted Bean Curd Cubes in Brine with Chili (with Sesame Oil)(130g) (Best before date: 5.7.2010)' and 'Giant Tree Brand Salted Bean Curd Cubes in Brine (with Sesame Oil)(130g)(Best before date:5.7.2010)', were found to contain Bacillus cereus at levels ranging from 290,000 per gram to 2,000,000 per gram," a CFS spokesman said today (October 13).

"Bacillus cereus is a pathogen commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions in food processing and storage may give rise to its growth. Consuming food contaminated with excessive bacillus cereus may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

"We advise the public not to eat the fermented bean curd cubes concerned. We have issued warning letters to the retailers concerned and asked them to stop selling the affected products.

"The CFS would take out prosecution if there is sufficient evidence. The Centre will closely monitor the situation."

Ends/Monday, October 13, 2008