Less than 6% of honey products fake, says health ministry
Published on: Wednesday, February 14, 2024
By: FMT
.jpg "Less than 6% of honey products fake, says health ministry")
The health ministry said it actively monitors the sale of honey products in the market, after a report claimed that 90% of the items are fake. (File pic)
PETALING JAYA: Less than 6% of the honey products tested by the health ministry since 2016 have failed to meet local standards.
Responding to an article in Berita Harian which stated that 90% of the honey in the Malaysian market is fake, the ministry said it actively monitors honey products sold to the public.
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According to Regulation 130 of the Food Regulations 1985, honey products must have at least 60% reducing sugars, a maximum sucrose content of 10%, and a maximum of 80 mg/kg of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).
“A total of 769 samples of honey products from various brands have been collected from 2016 until now, and it was found that 45 samples (5.85%) did not comply with the standards set under the Food Regulations 1985.
“Enforcement action was taken against the companies and products involved,” the ministry said in a statement today, without elaborating.
It said that Section 13(2)(e) of the Food Act 1983 stipulates that no person shall prepare or sell any food that does not comply with the standards or specifications prescribed by any regulation under the Act, such as the Food Regulations 1985.
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Those guilty of violating the provision are liable to a fine of up to RM20,000, a five-year jail term, or both.
The ministry said it is collaborating with agencies such as the Malaysian Nuclear Agency to certify the authenticity of honey with the use of modern techniques.
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It also called on consumers to exercise caution and choose honey products certified by food safety assurance programmes like MeSTI, GMP and HACCP.
The ministry said honey products from seven companies have been certified by its Authentic Food Certification Scheme, aimed at recognising companies which meet stringent criteria for authenticity.
It also invited those with inquiries about food safety to contact their nearest district health office or state health department.
The public may also get in touch with the ministry’s food safety and quality division at its Facebook page.
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