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Hup Seng says crackers are safe

KUALA LUMPUR: Hup Seng Industries Bhd has reaffirmed that the special cream crackers manufactured by the company is fit for human consumption.

The company, on Saturday, said the production and marketing of the cream crackers were also in compliance with local regulations, quality and food safety standards.

"Being a socially responsible food manufacturer since 1958, product quality and safety have always been our foremost priority.

"We sincerely thank all our loyal customers and employees for your ongoing support," read the statement.

Hup Seng also pledged to extend their fullest cooperation to the authorities in their investigations, if required.

The Hong Kong Consumer Council (HKCC), released a report on Oct 18 which revealed that 60 samples of pre-packed biscuits and crackers manufactured by Hup Seng contained cancer-causing elements such as glycidol and acrylamide.

These carcinogens, it said, are contaminants produced when the food items are processed at high temperatures.

HKCC said the samples included 17 crackers, nine sandwich biscuits, eight wafers, seven biscuit sticks/finger biscuits/cigar biscuits, six soda biscuits, four digestives, two ring biscuits, one Marie biscuit and six types of other biscuits.

According to their study, over 75 per cent of the samples (46 samples) tested contained three types of contaminants, which are glycidol, acrylamide, and 3-MCPD.

The report also stated that 85 per cent of the samples tested contained high levels of fat, sugar and sodium.

Apart from that, the consumer watchdog also found that 40 per cent of the samples (23 out of 57 samples) checked had misleading nutrition labels.

According to reports from Bloomberg, the Health Ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division confirmed on Friday said it will launch an investigation into the claims.

The division is also reportedly conducting a verification on the company's premises.

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