Update: In response to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) revealed that they were following up with the manufacturer of Marigold products on this matter.

You can read their full statement here:

"SFA is following up with the manufacturer of Marigold products on this matter.

The industry should ensure that the food products they produce and import meet SFA’s requirements and food safety standards. Food can also be contaminated through improper practices from the time it is produced to the time it is consumed. As such, consumers are advised to check the packaging carefully when selecting pre-packed food. Do not choose pre-packed food products that are bloated, badly dented, or with damaged packaging. For more information on proper food safety practices, please refer to our website (https://www.sfa.gov.sg/food-information/food-safety-education/good-food-safety-practices)."

A Singaporean woman known as Sash Raj alleges that she had gotten high fever and food poisoning from a contaminated packet of Marigold chrysanthemum tea.

The customer shared her experience in a Facebook post on July 11, 2019, where it has since gotten over 3,500 shares.

Spat out immediately

According to Sash, she was halfway through the drink when she felt a pulpy substance, which she spat out immediately.

The substance turned out to be black and jelly-like in texture.

After Sash cut the packet into half, she discovered more of the unidentified substance at the bottom of the drink.

She allegedly contracted high fever and food poisoning after the incident.

However, the customer claimed that Marigold did not take it seriously when she called and emailed them about the contaminated drink.

Sash added that the brand's marketing manager offered her a free carton as means of compensation, which she rejected.

According to the photo, the drink would only expire in March 2020.

Marigold conducts tests

In response to the post, Marigold Singapore revealed that they have been in contact with the customer since June 25.

Unfortunately, the company was unable to conduct a sample analysis as the contaminated product was no longer available.

Drinks from the same batch were tested, but no issues were detected.

The spokesperson for Marigold then surmised that it may have been an isolated problem with mishandling or storage conditions.

You can read the statement in full here:

"Dear Ms Prasashini,

We have communicated a few times since 25th of June 2019 and we spoke again today on 12th July. We are sorry to hear about your experience concerning a pack of MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum tea. Unfortunately, we could not conduct an analysis of the affected product since the affected pack was not available.

Nevertheless, we managed to get hold of a few packs of the same batch code from the same shop of your complimentary drink and did laboratory tests. Quality check report indicated that there was no issue with the products and to-date we have not received any other such feedback. This is an isolated incident likely caused by mishandling or unfavourable storage conditions which have compromised packaging integrity.

Please be assured that MARIGOLD has strict quality control for all manufacturing processes. We appreciate your feedback because consumer satisfaction and product quality are our top priorities.

Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused."

Regards,

MARIGOLD

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