LABUAN: A hypermarket and a chocolate store here were found with at least 65 expired and dented products worth RM1,040 on their shelves in spot checks conducted by an integrated enforcement team led by the Labuan Health Department yesterday.
Thirty-five chocolates worth RM780 and 25 dairy products and canned fruits worth RM251.00 were seized from the two premises by the department which carried out the operation jointly with the Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry, Labuan branch, and Labuan Corporation.
During the operation involving more than 30 personnel led by Health Department director Dr Ismuni Bohari, certain products were also found without an expiry date.
Dr Ismuni said the department would carry out monthly operations to safeguard the quality of consumer products, and once every three months with other enforcement agencies.
“The chemical composition in expired products will change as a result of bacterial and fungal growth. It is hazardous to consume such products, similarly with that of dented products,” he said.
“We are shocked that these prominent hypermarkets can overlook such serious matter. Some of these products expired last month,” he said.
According to him, retailers found selling hazardous and damaged food items can face a maximum of RM100, 000 fine and 10 years’ jail if convicted under the Food Act 1983.
“I promise that we will follow up every lead in cases like these,” he assured.
He urged the public to report to the authorities should they come across expired products being sold in the shops.
“We have conducted inspection of five premises but two of them were found to have neglected the food safety aspect, while the remainder has learnt from the past mistakes and have therefore not repeated the mistake,” Dr Ismuni aid.