SINGAPORE: Concern over food tainted by "gutter oil" in Taiwan has prompted some retailers in Singapore to seek clarification from their Taiwan suppliers. They have also removed some suspicious products from their shelves while the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) conducts more tests.

Travel agencies are also taking steps to prevent Singapore travellers from buying the tainted products. At least one agency is cancelling trips to souvenir shops from next month and reminding travellers to be vigilant while shopping.

In Singapore, Yue Hwa Chinese Products, which imports suncakes and canned food from Taiwan, has been checking the items against the list of tainted products released by Taiwan authorities and companies involved.

Ms Neo Gim Lian, assistant supervisor at Yue Hwa Chinese Products, said: "So far, we have only recalled one product by a local supplier. It contains butter. We have already taken the product off the shelf and they are testing it with AVA right now."

The shop also contacted its Taiwan suppliers, who replied saying the product does not use lard. Although canned food from Taiwan's Wei-Chuan Food Corporation has been implicated, Yue Hwa has assured customers the products it is selling are vegetarian and do not contain lard.