SAFETY IS KEY’

She said the dates sold in Malaysia were mainly imported from Madinah, Yemen, Iran and Saudi Arabia, adding that they were usually odourless and firm in texture.

Another seller, who wished to be known only as Aini, said consumers were careful when buying dates.

“They will look at the texture and taste before buying. As sellers, we will assist them.”

Dates grown in the Middle Eastern and North African belt are largely consumed by Muslims during Ramadan.

In a statement yesterday, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the ministry would beef up the monitoring of dates sold after photographs of the fruit containing cockroaches and beetles went viral recently.

He said consumers should ensure that the food they bought was clean and safe to eat.

“Consumers should study and read the food products’ labels.

“They should always scrutinise, smell and taste the products before eating them to avoid eating harmful and contaminated food.”

Should consumers have any concern with regard to food safety issues, Dr Noor Hisham said they could contact the state Health Department or the nearest district health office for guidance.

He said consumers could visit the ministry’s website at http://moh.spab.gov.my, or the Food Safety and Quality Division Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bkkmhg to lodge complaints related to hygiene and food safety.

Consumers should... scrutinise, smell and taste the product before eating it...