Malaysia inspecting Selangor egg farm after Salmonella bacteria prompts Singapore recall
15 March, 2021
Malaysian authorities are inspecting one of Lay Hong's egg farms on Jeram, Selangor, to recognize the foundation of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) bacteria.
This is after Singapore directed four importers to recall eggs from the farm because of the occurrence of the bacteria that could cause foodborne illness if the eggs are consumed raw or undercooked.
In a statement on Sunday (Mar 14), Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) explained it is looking at egg production functions, vaccination records and the farm’s disease surveillance program to trace the foundation of the SE contamination.
“Eggs from the CE008 farm are not allowed to get sold (locally) as desk eggs until the benefits of the investigation,” the agency said.
"DVS also conducted inspections and sampling for SE testing over all farms owned by Lay Hong Bhd to make sure that the company's farm eggs are SE-free."
According to the agency, Lay Hong owns 10 poultry farms, comprising two pullet farms and 8 layer farms. Only one farm - CE008 - exports eggs to Singapore.
"The company has decided to implement corrective steps and monitoring more frequently, together with improve biosecurity controls," said DVS.
In announcing the recall on Fri, the Singapore Food Organization (SFA) said it has suspended the farm until it rectifies the contamination issue.
“Our priority may be the safety of our customers,” Lay Hong’s executive director Yap Chor How said.
He added that the company’s other farms aren't affected, and that the farms are “divided into smaller satellite television farms and separated in one another” to mitigate any cross-contamination.
EGGS SAFE TO TAKE IF COOKED THOROUGHLY
The affected eggs possess the farm code "CES008" stamped on the shells, said SFA.
"As SE could be destroyed by temperature, eggs are safe and sound to consume if they're cooked thoroughly," it added.
SE could be present within the egg, as well as being on the eggshell.
The bacteria may survive in raw and undercooked eggs and could cause foodborne illness. Medical indications include diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, fever, nausea and vomiting.
While SE infection commonly subsides within a week in most people, it could cause serious illness in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and the ones with weakened immune devices, said SFA.
To reduce the chance of infection, buyers should make sure that eggs are cooked thoroughly before egg white colored and yolk are solid, and practise proper hygiene to avoid cross-contamination with other meals.
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