PUTRAJAYA: Samples of imported `udang galah (freshwater prawns)’ taken from various entry points in the country have shown a clean bill of health.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said 56 samples were taken to be tested for monitoring purpose in the past seven months and 183 samples were tested.
“All samples were found to comply with the Food Act 1983 and the regulations under it,” he said in a statement today.
He was responding to claims involving cheap imported freshwater prawns that had gone viral on the social media and reported by the media, which allegedly made some people fall sick with symptoms such as itchiness, swollen nose, watery eyes, diarrhoea and vomiting
Dr Noor Hisham said the health authority, through the Food Safety and Quality Division, had been keeping a close watch on food products coming through the country’s entry points and would continue to do so.
“Since Jan 1, 2005, all imported shrimp consignments including freshwater prawns must be accompanied with health certificate, stating the consignments were free from prohibited substances.
“If there is no such certificate, the consignment will be barred from entering the country,” he said.
He also said the Health Ministry would work closely with the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry in keeping food safe for consumption.
Dr Noor Hisham warned that those who failed to comply with the laws could face hefty penalty.
Under Section 13 (1) of the Food Act 1983, any person who prepares or sells any food that has in or upon it any substance which is poisonous, harmful or otherwise injurious to health commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or to both.
The director-general also urged those with any food safety concerns to refer them to the nearest district health office or state health departments or contact the ministry through its website at http://moh.spab.gov.my or the Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM) at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.