FREE OF DEHP: Liow showing the press ‘Shin Ramyu’ instant mee from South Korea after making checks on the processing of food imports at Gudang Venthill Sdn Bhd , Kompleks NDSB, Jalan Parang in Port Klang yesterday. — Bernama photo
PORT KLANG: Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai yesterday announced that ‘Shin Ramyu’ instant mee from South Korea has been found to be free of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP).
On June 11, the ministry was reported to have asked the local distributor to recall the products pending tests on DEHP contamination, which may have potential harmful effects on health.
“The tests have been carried out and it has been confirmed the product does not contain DEHP,” he told a press conference after making checks on the processing of food imports at this entry port here yesterday.
However, Liow said tests on instant mee of the same brand but from China were still going on and that the findings would be known today.
He reassured the people that food imports into the country were strictly monitored according to the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985.
Liow further announced that seven more food products from Taiwan had been found to be free of DEHP contamination.
The products are Corn Syrup (no brand) imported by Loob Holding Sdn Bhd, Blueberry Jelly (no brand) imported by Yes Natural Trading Sdn Bhd, Glucose Syrup (no brand) also imported by Yes Natural Trading, Oriyen Bio N-Zymes, Oriyen Tummi Trimm, Oriyen Unical and Oriyen Essence of Golden Clan.
This brings to 44 the number of food products suspected of DEHP contamination but have been found to be safe for consumption.
Six other Taiwanese products declared free of DEHP contamination are Long Life Noodle, Hao Han Mini Rice Cake, Hao Han Japanese Mo Chi, Family Potato Chip, Brown Rice Puff (no brand) imported by Yes Natural Trading and Keropok Beras (Fuji) NETSCO.
Liow said that Taiwanese food imports were subject to checks under the ministry’s “Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FoSIM) whereby products suspected to be contaminated by DEHP would be analysed first and only released into the market if they are safe for consumption. — Bernama