Stop using surgical masks manufactured by Vision Empire Healthcare: HSA

If you’ve bought disposable masks manufactured by Vision Empire Healthcare online, you are advised to stop using it immediately. 

The advisory was issued by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Friday (Jun 11). 

The HSA said the masks manufactured by the company had been done so in an unhygienic and makeshift environment. The masks were also placed in carton boxes left out in the open. 

A total of 33 cartons, each containing about 2,500 masks, were seized. 

Surgical masks manufactured under unsanitary conditions may potentially be contaminated or exposed to impurities from the environment, HSA said. Consumers are at a higher risk for developing skin irritation, respiratory symptoms or infections, it added. 

Vision Empire Healthcare, owned by the company Vision Empire International Pte Ltd, was suspected to be manufacturing surgical masks without a licence from HSA. The HSA uncovered the illegal mask manufacturing and repackaging facility on May 31.

The HSA license is required under the Health Products Act to ensure that masks are manufactured in proper and hygienic conditions that comply with ISO 13485.

Vision Empire Healthcare was also suspected to have resold and repackaged surgical masks imported from overseas, despite not having a licence to do so.

Vision Empire Healthcare had sold the masks in boxes of 50 from $10 to $22 on local e-commerce platforms. The listings have since been removed by the platform administrators.

This is the first time a company has been suspected for illegally manufacturing surgical masks in Singapore.

HSA will “take strong enforcement action” against those who engage in the illegal manufacture and supply of masks. Illegal manufacturers and suppliers of such masks are liable to prosecution, and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 2 years and fined up to $50,000.