About two months ago, two popular canned sardine brands – TL Tan Lung and TLC – were recalled because they were found to be contaminated with roundworms. Today (29 June 2018), the Health Ministry has identified more imported brands of fish products that were also contaminated by the same parasitic worms, reported The Star. That’s very concerning!
In a statement that was released yesterday (28 June 2018), Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that the Health Ministry has been closely monitoring imported canned fish – both sardine and mackerels – through the ministry’s Food Safety and Quality Division.
They have now identified six more canned sardine and mackerel brands that are found to be contaminated with roundworms. These brands are:
(Canned sardines)
- Cinta
- Sea Fresh
- HS Brand
(Mackerel in tomato sauce)
- The King Cup
- Star Cup
- TC Boy Brands
Source: Mydin
About two days ago, the health ministry released a statement saying that they have found parasitic worms from the Anisakis spp genus in sardine cans imported from China. These worms are also known as roundworms!
They said that it was hazardous to our health as it can cause gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Nonetheless, there’s no need to panic over the discovery of roundworms in these products because Dr Noor Hisham has assured us that health risks posed by the contaminated canned sardines and mackerels are “very low” as they would have died once we cook the canned food.
Source: FMT
“The Ministry has taken action against the companies involved and has ordered the products to be withdrawn from the market,” he assured.
Thank goodness!
He also noted that the ministry has initiated the “Seize, Test and Release” action on all imported sardine and mackerel cans.
FYI, “Seize, Test and Release” is an action where they will take imported samples for analysis before releasing them into the market once proven safe.
Source: The Malay Mail
On the other hand, the Health Ministry will conduct inspections at all production plants to monitor locally produced canned fish products. Good call!
In the meantime, if you have any concerns or complaints regarding your food products, don’t hesitate to contact the State Health Department or the nearest District Health Office.
You can also send them directly to the Health Ministry through their website or Facebook, or the Ministry’s Safety and Food Quality Division Facebook page.
Be vigilant, guys!
Also read: WARNING: Canned Sardines Imported into M’sia From China Found Infected with Worms
