Malaysia:Imported greens "may pose health risk"

2007/09/09
Imported greens ‘may pose health risk’

JOHOR BARU: Smuggled fish, poultry and vegetables from Brazil and China may be posing a health risk to local consumers.

Farmers Organisation Board chairman Tan Sri Abu Zahar Nika Ujang said unlicensed food imports did not undergo stringent quality tests by the authorities.

"We have received numerous complaints and reports on unlicensed imported foods being sold in the open here."We urge the authorities to investigate the matter," he said after officiating at the annual general meeting of the Johor Farmers Association here yesterday.

Abu Zahar hoped that the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry would conduct more tests on vegetables being sold in the markets to determine the amount of pesticide used.

"The level should not exceed the danger level so that the vegetables are safe for consumption," he said.Abu Zahar said the ministry should also be more consistent with its enforcement practices and the awarding of licences to importers of food items.

"We do not know the standards used in food processing overseas and whether the food is suitable for consumption. We hope the ministry will run more stringent checks before they issue the licences.

"This will reassure consumers of the quality of the food items being sold."