KUALA LUMPUR: 'Kangen Water' or any drinks in packages or from machines for sale and consumption, must receive licence approval from the Health Ministry.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said according to the Food Act 1983, all drinks packed for consumption, including water filters, must adhere to the standards according to the Act and the Food Regulations 1985 for licence purposes.
“It is an offence under regulations 360(b) and 360(c) in Food Regulations 1985 to market drinking products, whether in packages or from machines, including Kangen Water, without a licence,” he said.
Dr Subramaniam was responding to a question by Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (Kota Raja-PAN) on the ministry's stand on the matter.
Kangen Water is produced from an alkaline water filter. Those marketing the drink have controversially claimed that it allegedly cures up to 150 illnesses due to its “miracle properties.”
He said the ministry seized 6.5 litres of Kangen water worth RM360 from an unlicensed vendor this year. The ministry, he said, will continue to combat unlicensed vendors selling Kangen Water, packed drinks and water from machines.
He also added that the ministry does not approve vendors which advertising supposed healing properties on the drinks’ labels or in pamphlets as it is an offence under Section 17 of the Food Act 1983 and Regulation 18(6)(d) of the Food Regulations 1985.