Singapore retailers to continue bringing in goji berries from China amid probe into claims of chemical use

SINGAPORE: Retailers in Singapore will continue to import goji berries from China even as Chinese authorities investigate claims that harmful chemicals were used in their production. 

Yue Hwa, Hockhua, Eu Yan Sang, FairPrice and Cold Storage, five retailers that sell goji berries here, told CNA that their products are subject to quality control and laboratory tests, and are thus safe for consumption.

The Chinese probe came about after the state broadcaster CCTV reported on Sunday (Sep 1) the excessive use of sodium metabisulfite - as a colour enhancer - in goji berry production in China’s northern Qinghai and Gansu provinces. 

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are often used in traditional Chinese medicine and are said to be good for liver and kidney functions. China is a major goji berry supplier - the Ningxia region exported 1,331.2 tonnes of goji berries in the first four months of 2024, an increase of 15.3 per cent year on year, reported Chinese news agency Xinhua.

Tests on dried goji berries in Singapore have been "satisfactory" so far, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Tuesday, in response to CNA's queries.

It added that various forms of sulfites, including metabisulfites, are internationally permitted food additives and are allowed for dried fruits if they are kept within stipulated limits.

Yue Hwa, Hockhua and Eu Yan Sang said they are aware of the investigation in China.

"We want to assure the public that our goji berries are not affected by this issue," said Yue Hwa, a retailer that specialises in Chinese products. It added that its goji berries are sourced from Ningxia, away from the areas currently under investigation.

"Our approach has always been proactive rather than reactive. Before any products reach our stores, they undergo rigorous quality control (QC) testing at our Hong Kong headquarters."

It added that it conducts the tests regularly, regardless of external circumstances.

Its previous QC test, conducted in May 2024, "confirmed" that no harmful chemicals were found in its goji berries, it said. 

Hence, it does not anticipate any changes to its decision to continue selling goji berries from China.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that our products meet all safety and quality standards," said Yue Hwa, which has three stores in Singapore. 

Hockhua, which has close to 80 stores in Singapore and Malaysia selling Chinese health products, said it only imports goods from reputable suppliers and that its goji berries are safe for consumption.

"A lab test result will be required for each batch. We occasionally run random laboratory tests on our current stocks as well," it said.

Eu Yan Sang also reiterated the safety of the berries, adding that they meet the safety and quality standards, with each batch tested to comply with safety regulations.

"We conduct regular checks on our suppliers while upholding our strict quality control measures to ensure the safety and integrity of our products.

"Our goji berries undergo testing through accredited labs for sulphur dioxide (SO2) and meet local regulatory requirements," the company, which has 45 outlets here selling Chinese health products, said.

It added that goji berries are part of traditional Chinese medicine, and China remains a strategic source.

A spokesperson for DFI Retail, which owns Cold Storage, said that all imported dried goji berries sold at the supermarket chain are safe for consumption.

DFI Retail added that it constantly works with all its suppliers to ensure that its food products undergo "stringent" monitoring, sampling and testing to comply with SFA regulations.

In response to CNA's queries, a FairPrice Group spokesperson said on Thursday their imported goji berries "undergo rigorous testing", both in their country of origin and locally.

"This ensures that they are free from harmful chemicals and safe for consumption."