Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a recall for Captain Dan’s Frozen Cooked Wild Caught Cold Water Boston Lobster, imported by Lam Kee Fisheries Pte Ltd, due to the detection of elevated levels of cadmium. The presence of cadmium in the product surpasses the maximum limit set by Singapore’s Food Regulations.
As a precautionary measure, SFA has instructed Lam Kee Fisheries Pte Ltd to initiate a recall of the affected batches of lobster. The recall is currently in progress.
Cadmium is a heavy metal that naturally exists in the environment and can find its way into the food chain when marine organisms, such as lobsters and crabs, come into contact with water, soil, and the seabed. These crustaceans have the ability to accumulate heavy metals from their surroundings and diet. While the detected levels of cadmium in the implicated products are unlikely to pose an immediate food safety concern for one-time consumption, prolonged exposure to high levels of cadmium can lead to renal dysfunction, bone demineralization, and an increased risk of lung, endometrial, bladder, and breast cancer.
Consumers who have consumed the affected product and are worried about their health are advised to seek medical advice. For any inquiries, consumers can reach out to the point of purchase from where they obtained the product.
SFA’s statement
Recall of Captain Dan’s Frozen Cooked Wild Caught Cold Water Boston Lobster due to exceeding levels of cadmium
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has detected the presence of cadmium in Captain Dan’s Frozen Cooked Wild Caught Cold Water Boston Lobster, imported by Lam Kee Fisheries Pte Ltd, at levels exceeding the maximum limit for cadmium stated in Singapore’s Food Regulations.
2 As a precautionary measure, SFA has directed Lam Kee Fisheries Pte Ltd to recall the implicated products. The recall is ongoing.
3 Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium are naturally present in the environment and can enter our food when the animals and plants we eat come into contact with water, soil and the seabed. Crustaceans, such as lobsters and crabs, can accumulate heavy metals from their diet and environment. Based on levels detected, once-off consumption of the affected products is unlikely to be of food safety concern. However, long-term intake of high levels of cadmium may cause renal dysfunction, bone demineralisation and increased risk of cancer in the lung, endometrium, bladder, and breast.
4 Consumers who have consumed the implicated product and have concerns about their health should seek medical advice. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries
5 Details of the products are as follows:
Issued by the Singapore Food Agency
9 June 2023