Stringent checks on Aussie strawberries

Precautions taken by ministry after recall

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has imposed checks on all fresh strawberries imported from Australia as a precaution following a recall of certain strawberries by the Australian authorities.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that after a report about the recall by Astro Awani on Monday, the Australian authorities issued a Request for Permit (RFP) to exporters as an assurance that as of Sept 19 the produce exported from Australia will be free from metal contamination.

“As a precautionary measure, the ministry, through the Food Safety and Quality Division, has imposed checks on all fresh strawberries imported from Australia at all entry points in the country.

“The ministry is working closely with the Australian High Commission in Malaysia on the issue,” he said in a statement.

The report by the Astro Awani revealed that the Australian Food Safety Authority recalled the strawberry brands Berry Obsession, Berry Licious, Love Berry, Donnybrook Berries, Delightful Strawberries and Oasis which contained needles as a result of sabotage.

Dr Noor Hisham also said that all food imported must adhere to the Food Act 1983 and its regulations.

“It is the responsibility of importers, agents, sellers to ensure that the food products they import and sell in the market adhere to the law,” he said.

Section 13 of the Food Act requires that those involved in importing, distributing, keeping and selling food which contain poison or is harmful to health can be fined not more than RM100,000 or jailed not more than 10 years or both, he said.

To ensure the safety of the people, he said that the ministry will continue to monitor and take action on food safety.

Those with issues relating to food safety could contact the district health office or the state health department or contact through http://moh.spab.gov.my or visit the Food Safety and Quality Division facebook www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.