Liow: KR1M milk powder is safe

Star: OPPOSITION claims that the milk powder sold at Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KR1M) contained over eight times the legal limit of vitamin A has been proven to be unfounded, said the Health Ministry.
“The analysis of samples taken from the manufacturers showed the content of vitamin A did not exceed the maximum 5,000 international units as stated in the Food Regulations Act 1985,” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai during a press conference at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
He chided DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua for allegedly misleading the public by giving false information about the safety of the food sold at KR1M.
“He had bad intention when he tried to exploit the issue and exposed it to the media.
“I would have thanked him if he had asked the ministry to verify the quality of the product.
“Instead, he chose to do it for his own political mileage,” he said.
He noted that Pua was confused with the rulings in the Food Regulations Act.
“The milk powder is categorised as a growing up milk powder which comes under Rule 395, while he compared it with the ruling for follow-up milk.
“Our findings showed the KR1M growing up milk powder had 3,240 IU/100g.
“It did not exceed the maximum allowed level of vitamin A in milk powder,” he said.
However, Liow said, the oyster sauce did not pass the Health Ministry’s test and would be taken off the shelves.
“Samples of the oyster sauce showed it was below the approved standard under the Food Regulations Act.
“We have instructed the Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperative Ministry to act on it,” he said.
He said other products including the creamer, Ceylon tea, blackcurrant cordial and condensed milk were safe for consumption.
“We are looking at all the allegations made by Pua,” said Liow, adding that all public complaints concerning food safety would be investigated immediately.
Pua had recently claimed that the milk powder did not contain at least 15 of the legally required essential fatty acids, vitamins and mineral, while its vitamin A content was 802% above the permissible level.