KUALA LUMPUR: Cyclamate additives are not allowed to be added into any fresh fruits, says the Ministry of Health's (MOH) Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM).
MOH Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM) senior director Noraini Eksan said that cyclamate, a type of sweetener without substances, gives a sweet taste 30 to 50 times more than sucrose.
She added that according to Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), cyclamate was not allowed to be added to any fresh fruits, even if the fruits had been peeled. This is also stated under the Food Regulations 1985.
"In the viral issue of 'baby pineapple' (peeled skin fruit) in 2017 to 2019, we had tightened the controls on local pineapples.
"In the beginning of 2021, we imposed a Hold, Test and Pass requirement on imported 'baby pineapple'.
"There were 11 samples of pineapples containing cyclamate after 115 samples had been analysed through various parameters. The importers were fined RM8,500 after being found guilty," she said.
Noraini added that adding or mixing any banned substances to foods for sale was prohibited under Section 13(B) of the Food Act 1983.
Whoever is found guilty will be fined not more than RM20,000 or face imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both.
She said that should users have any questions regarding the issue of 'baby pineapple', they can contact the nearest District Health Office or State Health Department or check through the official website http://moh.spab.gov.my or Facebook of Food Safety and Quality (BKKM) www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.