The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has detected the presence of aspartame in Hao Yan Guang’s canned pear. As a precautionary measure, SFA has directed the importer, Goodwill Business Pte Ltd, to recall the implicated product as aspartame was not declared on the English food packaging label.
The recall is ongoing.
Aspartame is a permitted food additive that is used as an artificial sweetener and is approved for use in food worldwide. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the consumption of aspartame can lead to adverse effects in the general population.
However, aspartame affects individuals with phenylketonuria (a rare genetic disease) because their bodies are unable to break down phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. When phenylalanine is accumulated in persons with phenylketonuria, it can cause damage to the brain and nervous system. Individuals with phenylketonuria should avoid consuming the implicated product.
Consumers who have purchased the implicated product and have concerns about their health should not consume it. Consumers may contact their point of purchase for enquiries.
Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
24 November 2022
