Hup Seng Perusahaan Makanan Sdn Bhd, a local crackers company, stated that the ones manufactured by them are safe to eat. This follows a claim by the Hong Kong Consumer Council (HKCC) that the company’s crackers contained cancer-causing ingredients.
“We’d like to let you know that the cream crackers made and marketed in Malaysia are safe to eat and meet local food quality and safety requirements.”
“We will provide full cooperation with the authorities in each of their investigations if required.
“We would like to thank all our loyal customers and staff for their support,” the company responded in a statement.
It was reported that in the HKCC’s finding, there were 60 samples of crackers sold in Hong Kong – including from Hup Seng – containing cancer-causing elements such as glycidol and acrylamide.
The consumer body also found that as many as 40 per cent of the products analyzed had misleading nutrition labels.
Commenting on the issue, the Food Safety & Quality Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) on Friday said the initial investigation found that the Hup Seng factory premises were the holder of the MOH Hazard Analysis System and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certificate.
It also says Acrylamide and glycidol are contaminants that can be produced during food processing, however, the material can be controlled through the selection of raw materials and appropriate processes.
On the issue of misleading food labels, the official authorities have said the guidelines in Malaysia allowed companies to state figures based on counts or analysis, as well as state the amount within the allowable range.