KUALA LUMPUR – The health risk from consumption of all three popular biscuit and cracker brands in the country is low, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today.
In a statement today, Dr Noor Hisham said the call was based on the risk assessment conducted by the Health Ministry on the content of acrylamide and glycidol in the said products from Hup Seng, Jacobs, and Julie’s, which are manufactured in the country.
“The monitoring conducted by the ministry through its Food Safety and Quality Division since 2015 found that the average level of acrylamide was 246 μg/kg (microgramme per kilogramme) which was below the benchmark level set by the European Union Commission regulations, which was 350 μg/kg.
“The division also conducted a risk assessment on the acrylamide and glycidol in the products and the health risk from both substances through the consumption of biscuits is low,” he added.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, acrylamide and glycidol are carcinogenic substances that can pose a risk to human health.
Acrylamide is a contaminant produced during food processing or preparation.
However, such pollutants can be controlled through the selection of appropriate raw materials and processes.
Consumers, he added, may access the guide on acrylamide contamination in foods from the division’s official Facebook page.
“The Health Ministry is always sensitive and concerned about things that can threaten the health of consumers.
“Consumers may also contact the nearest state Health Department or district health office, or through the website http://moh.spab.gov.my and the Food Safety and Quality Division’s Facebook page if there are issues related to food safety.”
Dr Noor Hisham’s response comes after the Hong Kong Consumer Council said on Friday that 60 samples of pre-packed biscuits and crackers it tested contained cancer-inducing elements such as glycidol or acrylamide.
The council also found that 40% of products analysed had misleading nutrition labels.
Hup Seng’s wholly owned unit, Hup Seng Perusahaan Makanan (M) Sdn Bhd, said it would fully cooperate with authorities in their investigation if needed.
“We wish to ensure that our special cream crackers manufactured and marketed in Malaysia are fit for human consumption and in compliance with the local regulations, quality standards and food safety standards.
"Being a socially responsible food manufacturer since 1958, product quality and safety have always been our first and foremost priority,” it said in a statement. – The Vibes, October 27, 2021
