Smoof’s Pure Acai Sorbet recalled in S'pore, found to contain milk allergen

Local acai brand Smoof has been ordered to recall its Smooth Acai Sorbet Pure after the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) found that the item contained milk, which was not declared on its food packaging label.

In a press release on Nov. 19, SFA said it has directed the importer, Smoof Pte Ltd, to recall the implicated product, and the recall is ongoing.

Milk does not pose a risk to most consumers, but people sensitive to it should be aware

Sorbets, which are typically made using fruit juice, sugar and water, are a popular alternative to ice-cream and gelato for those who are lactose intolerant or are allergic to dairy.

While lactose, which is commonly found in dairy products, sits well in many stomachs, it is also a common allergen and cause of concern for others.

Reactions to milk allergies range from mild, in the form of a stomach ache or diarrhea, but can also see life-threatening consequences such as anaphylaxis in severe cases.

Updated allergen list

Smoof's Acai Sorbet Pure was sold both online via Smoof's website and other shopping platforms.

A check of Smoof's website on Nov. 19 reveals an ingredients list that includes "milk and dairy products".

Smoof also advised consumers to "check the packaging" for the most updated information before consuming.

Smoof was "not made aware" of milk traces, says Founder

In response to queries from Mothership, founder of Smoof, Wesley Tan, confirmed the recall.

“The manufacturing machine which handles our acai […] produced other ice-creams that contain[ed] milk,” Tan shared.

He added that they were “not made aware” of the traces of milk by the Brazilian manufacturer, and the product Smoof received did not specify milk as an ingredient.

Smoof would have "definitely declared" if the allergen ingredient had been known to them, said Tan.

Compulsory to declare ingredients used

According to the Food Regulations, all ingredients and additives used in prepacked food must be declared in descending order of the proportion by weight in which they are present.

It is also compulsory for businesses to declare the presence of ingredients that may cause hypersensitivity in individuals, under the statement of ingredients for pre-packed food products.

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Top image from Smoof/Facebook and Instagram