Distributor of honey adulterated with nearly 50 pct sugar fined by Dalat court

KUCHING (Jan 19): The Magistrates’ Court in Dalat, Mukah recently fined a local distributor RM4,000 in default two months’ jail for selling honey with a sucrose level of 47.6 per cent.

Magistrate Oon Kork Chern found the accused guilty of having distributed honey products containing sucrose levels exceeding the limit stipulated under the Food Regulations 1985.

The Mukah Division Health Office said in a statement that the offence was committed under Section 13B(2)(e) of the Food Act 1983 read together with Regulation 130(2)(c) of the Food Regulations 1985.

Handled by prosecuting officer Elizabeth Sinirisan Chong, the Health Office said the conviction reflects the seriousness of the authorities in addressing food safety issues and the importance of protecting consumers.

Food sampling was carried out by assistant environmental health officer Philip Francis Lichiew at a supermarket in Dalat.

The samples were then sent to the Food Safety and Quality Laboratory in Perlis for sucrose analysis.

“The analysis results in August last year revealed that the honey contained a sucrose level of 47.60 per cent, thereby contravening the relevant regulations,” said the statement.

Assistant environmental health officer Floria Elhoy Tait carried out the investigation assisted by Florence Yusuf.

Under Regulation 130 of the Food Regulations 1985, the Office said honey products must comply with the prescribed standards, which include containing not less than 60 per cent reducing sugars, having a sucrose content of not more than 10 per cent, and not containing more than 80mg/kg of Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).

Section 13(2)(e) stipulates that no person shall prepare or sell any adulterated food that does not comply with the standards or specifications prescribed by any regulations made under this Act.

Those found to have contravened this provision, upon conviction, may be fined a maximum RM20,000, or jailed for a term not exceeding five years, or both.

“The Ministry of Health (MoH) also offers the Authentic Food Certification Scheme, which aims to provide recognition to food products that are certified as authentic or genuine and that meet the criteria set under the scheme.

“This includes honey, meat, coffee, and edible bird’s nest products. MoH remains vigilant and concerned about matters that may threaten consumer health,” said the Office.

Consumers are advised to read product labels and choose food products bearing the Food Safety Assurance Programme (FSAP) logos such as Authentic, MeSTl, GMR, and HACCP issued by MoH.

For more information, go to the nearest district health office, State Health Department, or visit http://moh.spab.gov.my, or the Food Safety and Quality Division (FSQD) Facebook page.