The probe by the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) followed the move by Singaporean authorities to suspend and recall eggs from several farms in Malaysia over fears of bacterial contamination.

DVS, in a statement, said they tested the cloaca of fowls and the faeces. They also took samples of the eggs, food and drinking water for the poultry at the farm.

Last week, Singaporean authorities suspended sales of eggs codenamed “CES 008” from the Lay Hong Bhd farm.

Previously, DVS had said the eggs went through heat treatment at processing plants in Kapar and Meru. The department also said the eggs had never been sold locally.

DVS today said they will be holding further discussions on the matter with the Singapore Food Agency.

DVS said a similar investigation was being carried out at the Linggi Agriculture Sdn Bhd farm producing eggs codenamed “CEM014”, after Singapore asked four importers to recall their eggs over the same issue.

DVS said they will be increasing monitoring at all 276 egg farms nationwide to ensure food safety.

The salmonella enteritidis bacteria causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. The bacteria can be destroyed if the eggs are cooked well.

Salmonella enteritidis can be present inside the egg as well as on the eggshell.