by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 22: The sale of eyeball-shaped gummy candies are now banned on all online platforms and in domestic market as the product has been found to have violated the labelling requirements under the Food Regulations 1985, Food Act 1983 [Act 281], according to the Ministry of Health (MoH).
In a statement, the Ministry said the size or shape of food is not regulated under the Food Regulations (PPM) 1985, Food Act 1983, except for “controlled jelly confectionery” with a size and shape diameter of less than or equal to 45 millimeters.
These products must be labeled with “WARNING: MAY CAUSE CHOKING HAZARD” and the words “NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OLD”.
However, it was found that the eyeball-shaped gummy candy violated the labeling requirements stipulated under the Food Regulations 1985, Food Act 1983 [Act 281].
MoH emphasised that the sale of this product is prohibited on all online platforms and domestic markets, and enforcement actions including the seizure of this product will be carried out based on these regulations.
At the same time, it urged the public, especially parents, to monitor and advise their children to be more cautious in food selection, especially foods that pose a choking hazard.
“The choking hazard is a significant risk, especially among infants and children. This risk increases when food is not chewed thoroughly or swallowed whole.
“Choking incidents may occur more frequently with hard, chewy, small, and round foods that can easily become lodged in the airway,” it said.
Any consumption of food by children must be under the supervision of parents or guardians.
MoH said it will continue to carry out food safety monitoring and enforcement activities, as well as take preventive measures to avoid the recurrence of such incidents.
If users have any doubts regarding any food safety issues or witness any food safety incidents, they can contact any nearby District Health Office, State Health Department, or visit the website of the Public Complaint Management System (SISPAA) MoH and the Food Safety and Quality Programme (PKKM) Facebook page as follows: moh.spab.gov.my and facebook.com/bkkmhq.
MoH also expressed its sympathy and condolences to the family of Mohammad Fahmi Hafiz, the 10-year-old student who choked after consuming the eyeball-shaped gummy candy and passed away. – DayakDaily
