KUALA LUMPUR: Food traders have been told to refrain from using nails to secure food packaging, said to be a popular trend to attract patrons but could potentially harm diners if accidentally consumed.
Health and wellness website Public Health Malaysia, on its Facebook and Twitter pages, said there had been a case of a child who was rushed to a hospital emergency department after initial fears of swallowing a nail.
In a Dec 31 post, it said that the child had stomach pains and cried non-stop.
"An X-ray revealed that the nail had reached the stomach area. An emergency surgery had to be done to remove the nail. This is an example of an untoward incident due to the presence of foreign objects in food.
"Nails are a food hazard and unsuitable to be used as a method to pack food. Use rubber bands or other means that will not alter the taste and recipe of the food.
"If one spots a trader that still uses nails to pack food, report it to the nearest district health office," said Public Health Malaysia, adding that traders could face action under the Food Act 1983.
To avert such risks, it advised the public against buying food that is packed and secured with nails.
It also urged food handlers from using nails on food packaging and keep it away from places that are easily reached by children.