PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has banned 'Manuka Honey' by New Zealand Evergreen Life Ltd effective today for containing dihydroxyacetone and methylglyoxal in the processing of the product.
Health Department director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham said the ban comes following a report from the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) website on Feb 26 to withdraw the product.
However, Dr Noor Hisham said MPI has stated there is no food safety hazards associated with the product.
“Import data checks via the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FoSIM) from 2015 to this year, indicates the product is imported into this country.
“Consumers who have purchased the honey are advised not to eat the product and return it to the seller.
“Although there are no food safety hazards, those who have consumed the honey and have doubts over their health, must seek medical advice,” he said.
The importer of the product has withdrawn the product from the market voluntarily as the use of dihydroxyacetone and methylglyoxal are not permitted under the Food Act 1983, he added.
Consumers concerned about the status of food safety quality in the market can lodge a report to the ministry, district health office (DHO), state health department or through http://moh.spab.gov .my or via the Food Safety and Quality Division on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.