HEALTH MINISTRY'S ASSURANCE: No evidence of contaminated ingredient in country, says Subramaniam
THE Health Ministry has given assurance that there has been no evidence of contaminated whey protein concentrate (WPC80) in the dairy products imported to Malaysia.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the ministry was in close contact with the New Zealand authorities and had been monitoring latest developments involving the issue.
"There is no evidence of contaminated WPC80 reaching Malaysian shores.
"We are in touch with the New Zealand authorities and we will act according to the information given," he said after launching the Malaysia Pledge on Responsible Advertising to Children here yesterday.
He said the ministry had not received any information that "Nutricia Karicare follow-on formula products for children from 6 months old", which were suspected of containing contaminated WPC80, was sold in the country.
"We received information from the New Zealand authorities that the product may be contaminated, but we have not detected its import into the country."
Dr Subramaniam added that Danone Dumex's recall of specific batches of its products was voluntary and done as a precautionary measure.
He was asked to comment on an alert by the International Food Safety Authorities Network, under the World Health Organisation, regarding the existence of WPC80 in products manufactured by New Zealand's Fonterra, which are suspected to be contaminated with the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
The bacteria can cause botulism, which is potentially fatal.
Fonterra Brands Malaysia managing director David Ross said products under its brand did not use WPC80 as a whey protein source.
"There are two parts in Fonterra's operations: our ingredient business, where we supply dairy ingredients to other food companies, and our own consumer dairy brands, namely Anlene, Anmum, Fernleaf and Anchor.
"We have advised eight companies, which were supplied with WPC80, on the quality issue."
Danone Dumex said yesterday all recalled packs would be destroyed under the standard procedure.
"Replacement or refund for the specified batches will be done irrespective of consumers' ability to present the purchase receipt and whether the packet has been opened or not."
For more information, contact Denone Dumex at 1800-38-1038.
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