The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has ordered a recall of peaches imported to Singapore from the United States of America (USA).
According to a media release on Tuesday (25 Aug), the peaches of concern are said to be packed or supplied by Prima Wawona or Wawona Packing Company in the USA.
"These peaches are potentially linked to an ongoing multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis in the USA," it said.
According to investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bagged peaches are suspected to have made more than 60 people in nine states unwell.
Those who have bought the peaches from the affected company should look out for the following stickers with these Price Look-Up (PLU) numbers on them:
- 4037
- 4038
- 4044
- 4401
- 94037
- 94038
- 94044
- 94401
The SFA, however, highlights that not all peaches with these PLU codes are supplied by Prima Wawona.
"Consumers who are unsure about the brand or variety of their loose peaches should contact the respective retailers," it said.
According to SFA, the recall is ongoing and those who have bought these affected products are strongly advised not to consume them.
The consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis in humans, which may lead to symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
"Salmonellosis can be fatal to young children, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems. Consumers who have purchased the implicated product should not consume it," stated SFA.
The agency also advised those who have eaten the peaches affected by the recall to seek medical advice if they have any concerns about their health.
Consumers may contact the importer Satoyu Trading Pte Ltd. at 9066 1290 for enquiries and for exchange or refund of products.
Signs and Symptoms for Salmonella Infection
Salmonella infection or salmonellosis is mostly spread to people through contaminated food (94%) and the illness usually lasts for four to 7 days.
Raw foods like sashimi may come to mind, but truth is, salmonella can contaminate a variety of foods.
According to SFA, the commonly associated foods include meat, poultry, eggs and their products. Other incriminated food include coconut, smoked fish and milk powder.
While not everyone who ingests salmonella gets ill, some groups are more vulnerable than others.
Those hit by salmonellosis can face the sudden onset of the following symptoms:
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal cramps
- diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- fever
- headache
According to KidsHealth, these are the groups who are at risk for more serious complications from salmonellosis:
- very young individuals, especially babies
- have problems with their immune systems (such as people with HIV)
- take cancer-fighting drugs or drugs that affect their immune system
- have sickle cell disease
- have an absent or nonfunctioning spleen
- take chronic stomach acid suppression medicine
Those who experience a higher risk to salmonella infection are usually given antibiotics by the doctor to help prevent the spread to other parts of the body.
People who have salmonellosis have the bacteria in their own poop, too. A great way to prevent the further spread is to wash your hands often with warm water and soap.
Especially if you have a young child in tow, here are some situations to make that special effort to wash your hands:
- right after playing with a pet or animal (especially a reptile or chicken)
- right after you use the bathroom
- before preparing any food, like cutting up vegetables for dinner
- before eating any food
Lead image source: Website/US FDA
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