No danger in food safety, says health ministry, but consumers should return the products to shops.
PUTRAJAYA: The government has banned imports of Manuka honey products by Evergreen Life Ltd of New Zealand following the withdrawal of the product in New Zealand as it may contain prohibited substances.
The director-general of health, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, said the products by Evergreen Life were withdrawn in New Zealand as they may contain prohibited substances such as dihydroxyacetone and methylglyoxal used in its processes.
The Malaysian ban is effective today. Manuka honey is a monofloral honey produced in Australia and New Zealand from the nectar of the mānuka tree, and has been claimed to have anti-bacterial properties.
Dr Noor Hisham said: “Even though there is no danger in food safety, consumers who had consumed the product and have doubts about their health can refer to their doctors for medical advice,” he said.
Malaysian consumers who have bought Manuka honey have been advised not to consume the products and to return the items to the shop, he said in a statement here today.
Dr Noor Hisham said the ministry was taking follow up action after the withdrawal of products was reported in the New Zealand Primary Industries Ministry’s website.
-BERNAMA
-FMT NEWS-
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