LABORATORY tests carried out at a poultry farm which had its eggs rejected by Singapore for Salmonella enteritidis (SE) turned up negative for the bacteria, said the Veterinary Services Department (DVS). 

“Samples of cloaca smears, faecal smears, egg, food and water from the (involved) poultry farms were taken for SE detection at the Salak Tinggi DVS laboratory,” it said in a statement today.

“Laboratory tests on the samples showed that no Salmonella bacteria has been detected.”

Recently, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recalled eggs imported from Malaysian farms with the “CEM014” stamp, due to the presence of SE.

The SFA said the bacteria had been detected in eggs imported from Linggi Agriculture Sdn Bhd. A week before, Singapore had also recalled eggs from Lay Hong Bhd’s Jeram 1 farm. 

DVS said it will hold further discussions with the SFA on the matter.

DVS added that it will enhance Salmonella monitoring in all 276 poultry farms throughout the country through the National Animal Disease Surveillance Programme to ensure the safety of eggs on the market.

“Consumers are advised to ensure that the eggs purchased are clean, has no faecal contamination, stored in a suitable place and cooked thoroughly before eating. 

“SE can be destroyed at temperatures above 71°C,” DVS said. – March 21, 2021.