4000 food products seized!

About 4,665 meals worth RM75,933 were seized during the operation of the Chinese New Year 2020 by the Malacca Health Department for misconduct at a supermarket in Malacca.

Among the errors found were imported food labels, expiration dates and damaged food.  When marketing packaged food, we should always obeying to Food Act and regulations, especially the labelling. 
The followings are some highlights that vendor should know -

1. Declaration

Make sure the product label is not over-claiming. For instance, when the labels of coffee powder product stating "this product able to cure diabetes", it is an over-claimed statement.  

2. Expiration date

Make sure the expired food is not displayed on shelf for selling. And, the expiry date should be clearly printed on the products. 

3. Information of food label

All necessary information should be printed on label and make sure the fonts sizes are correct. 

4. Can food should be in good condition.  Make sure the can is clean, neither corroded, swallowed nor dented. Dented can will causing insertion of O2 into the can and induce bacteria growth. 

You may refer to Malaysia Food Act and regulations to check the details before marketing packaged products. 


Credit: Food Safety and Quality Division, Melaka State Health department.