Consumers In Kelantan Use Saccharin As Sugar Substitute

KOTA BAHARU, April 15 (Bernama) -- Some consumers in Kelantan are resorting to the use of "saccharin" as a sweetener to replace sugar following a shortage in the supply of the commodity in the state.
It is said that saccharin is 300 times sweeter than the normal sugar.
This has caused State Health Director, Datuk Dr Ahmad Razin Ahmad Maher to be concerned due to the side effects of consuming the stuff if taken excessively.
"We are concerned with the side effects of taking saccharin, like cancer," he told reporters after a briefing on management of school canteens here Saturday.
The function was attended by about 400 operators and food handlers of school canteens in the Kota Baharu district.
Also present was State Education Director Ismail Mohd Nor.
Dr Ahmad Razin said 11.35 kilogrammes of saccharin were seized by the department since January this year.
He said it was an offence under the Food Regulations 1985 for anyone to bring, sell saccharin without a licence from the Health Department adding that those caught were liable to a fine of RM5,000 or two years jail or both.
"So far, no one has been issued with the licence," he added.