It is illegal to use "kas-kas" or poppy seeds in excess as an ingredient in the cooking of certain meals, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said Saturday.
Using kas-kas in excess in the preparation of curry dishes and briyani rice is illegal under the Food Act 1982, he added.
Kas-kas is the latex of the poppy flower that is used to make opium.
"It is wrong to use any stimulant in excess in food preparation. Nevertheless, the people need not worry because the use of kas-kas in food preparation is under control," Dr Abdul Latiff told reporters after opening the National Scientific Meeting here.
The use of kas-kas in cooking became a hot topic when Jasin Member of Parliament Datuk Mohd Said Yusof alleged recently that "mamak" or Indian Muslim restaurants used poppy seeds in preparing their dishes, causing their customers to become addicted to their food.
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