PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) will order the withdrawal of alleged fake instant formula from the shelves based on chemist report.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said the ministry was still waiting for the test result of the infant formula that were seized at drug stores and convenience stores in Johor Bahru last Thursday before deciding on the next course of action.
“I hope the report will be out soon. We have to wait and only after it is confirmed can we take the necessary action.
“We will also discussed the matter with the health Ministry, which is responsible for approving the product to be sold,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Last Sunday, enforcement officers from the ministry seized 210 boxes of infant formula, believed to be fake, in five raids in Johor Bahru.
Questioned on the delay in conducting the raid as the complaints on the fake infant formula was received by the ministry since last Oct 14, Hamzah said investigation had to be carried out before the ministry, together with the manufacturer, Mead Johnson Malaysia, could conduct the raid.
He advised parents to exercise caution when buying formula for their children and to buy the product at established outlets, as well as to identify the features that could differentiate the product between genuine and fake ones.
Consumers can also contact the Health Ministry or Mead Johnson hotline at 1-800-88-3585 to lodge complaints or for any inquiry, he said.
Meanwhile, in Johor Bahru, Johor Health, Environment, Education and Information Committee Datuk Ayub Rahmat said no report on baby suffering from health problems due to their consumption of formula was received following the seizure of the fake formula.
“Alhamdulillah, we are able to control it (sale of fake formula), but we advise consumers to be cautious and always ascertain they only buy genuine products,” he told reporters at the JCare Appreciation carnival yesterday.
He suggested that KPDNKK explain to the public the features that could help them differentiate between genuine and fake products. — Bernama