The Star Malaysia

Stringent checks on Aussie strawberri­es

Precaution­s taken by ministry after recall

- By LOH FOON FONG foonfong@thestar.com.my

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.

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