Health Ministry declares ban on Evergreen Life Manuka honey

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has declared a ban over a manuka honey product over fears is may contain non-approved substances in it.
Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the ministry has received information from New Zealand-based website Ministry of Primary (MPI) that Evergreen Life Limited is recalling its Manuka Honey products as it is believed it contains non-approved substances, dihydroxyacetone and methylglyoxal.
These substances may have been used during the processing of the honey, noting that there is no food safety risk involved.
"Based on the data in the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FoSIM), the product is being imported into the country," he said,
Noor Hisham added that the product importers are in the midst of recalling the product from the local market, noting that both substances are not permitted under the Food Act 1983.
"As precautionary measures, from Feb 28 onward, the Health Ministry is placing an import ban on the Manuka Honey product in this issue.
"Consumers who had bought the product are advised not to consume it and return to the seller," he said, adding that those who have consumed it can refer to a doctor for medical advice.
Under Section 13C (2) of the Food Act 1983, importers or sellers of a product containing non-approved substance are to recall them from the market immediately – failing to do so, they can be charged a fine not more than RM100,000, jail term of up to 10 years, or both if convicted in court.