LABUAN, Dec 20 (NNN-BERNAMA) — A swoop by the Labuan Health Department revealed many stores including hypermarkets here still selling expired foodstuff and dented canned/boxed items.
The department seized three trolleys laden with expired products, those in dented packaging or with confusing labelling from a hypermarket, a basket of chocolates of various flavour and brands from a duty-free shop and several boxes of items from another hypermarket and supermarkets in an operation, ahead of the Christmas celebration next week.
Its director Dr Ismuni Bohari told reporters that the seized products totalling 403 items and worth RM2,499.88 included fresh milk and cheese in dented packaging.
He had earlier led the inspection at a hypermarket and popular chocolate store at the Financial Park Complex, here, today.
Dr Asmuni said 42 enforcement personnel in four teams were involved in the operation in collaboration with the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) in conjunction with the upcoming festival.
He said the department would continue monitoring stores to prevent consumers from being cheated by sales promotion of food products which were nearing their expiry dates.
He warned that dented cans/boxes could cause the inner metal coating to leak and contaminate the food inside, leading to food poisoning.
“I hope consumers will be more aware and careful when choosing food products. They should read the label and look at the condition of the packaging before buying a product,” he said.
Meanwhile, he disclosed that RM76,387 of the RM115,487 in compounds had been collected since 2014 until now.
He also said that at least 48 eateries were ordered closed following 933 inspections on the food premises throughout this year.
“We also have conducted a total of 24 operations this year involving 318 premises (shops, supermarkets and hypermarkets) and seized 4,568 food items of various brands and types worth RM13,383,” he added.
— NNN-BERNAMA