KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3: The Ministry of Health (MOH) will work together with the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) to tackle the African Swine Fever (ASF) issue.
MOH director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah disclosed that the ministry has taken note of the canned luncheon meat imported from China that were allegedly contaminated with ASF DNA in Sarawak.
“The MOH would conduct a sampling for the purpose of retort efficiency verification process to ensure no contamination of ASF in the the pork-based product,” according to Dr Noor Hisham in a press statement, yesterday.
He also advised consumers to follow the guidelines as informed by JPV and avoid buying the products online or giving product leftovers as food to pigs.
He added this is to reduce the risk of pigs getting infected from eating food leftovers contaminated with the ASF virus.
He also noted that MOH is always aware of issues that could endanger the health of consumers.
According to Section 13A of the Food Act 1983, any person involved in importing, distributing, storing or selling food that has in or on it any substance of animal or vegetable diseased, dirty, rotten or stinking is committing an offense and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding eight years or both.
For any question regarding food safety issues, consumers can direct their inquiry to the nearest MOH office, or visit the ministry’s website at http://moh.spab.gov.my or the ministry’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq. — DayakDaily
