PASIR PUTEH: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will inspect imported Shine Muscat grapes alleged to contain harmful chemical residues, as claimed by Thailand.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, said the matter would be referred to relevant agencies, including the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, for verification.
He added that if the claims were confirmed, the ministry would make an announcement and take appropriate action.
"However, so far, we have not received any complaints regarding this matter. Verification will be conducted," he said.
"We are thorough on this matter as it concerns health, and will conduct continuous monitoring.
"If any harmful chemicals are detected, we will take follow-up action."
Mohamad said this at the IADA Kemasin Semerak Water Users Group Certificate Presentation Ceremony here today.
Previously, the Thailand Pesticide Alert Network issued a warning about contamination in Shine Muscat grapes, stating that many samples contained harmful chemical residues exceeding permitted levels.
The network and the Thailand Consumer Council urged the Thai Public Health Ministry to take immediate action, including requiring importers and distributors to label the country of origin for imported Shine Muscat grapes.