MOH Addresses Claim That 90% Of Honey Sold In Malaysia Is Fake
According to the Health Ministry, only 45 out of 769 honey product samples tested since 2016 did not comply with food standards.
By Sadho Ram - 15 Feb 2024, 02:28 AM
Cover image via Arad BrandingThe Health Ministry (MOH) has addressed a claim made by an expert from Universiti Sains Malaysia that 90% of honey sold in the country is fake
In a statement issued on 14 February, MOH assured the public it is aware of the issue and actively monitors honey products.
According to the ministry, honey in Malaysia is categorised based on the species of bees that produce it, namely, "madu" from Apis dorsata bees and "kelulut honey" from stingless bees.
"According to Regulation 130 of the Food Regulations 1985, honey products must meet specific standards, including containing not less than 60% of reducing sugars, having an apparent sucrose content of not more than 10%, and not containing more than 80mg/kg of hydroxymethylfurfural," it said in the statement.
With regards to the claim that 90% of the honey sold in Malaysia is fake, MOH said that it has analysed a total of 769 honey samples since 2016
Out of the total, only 45 honey samples (less than 6%) did not comply with the standards under Food Regulations 1985, and actions have been taken against the companies and products, the ministry noted.
"According to Section 13(2)(e), it is prohibited to prepare or sell any mixed food that does not meet the standards or specifications established by regulations under the act. An individual found guilty of breaching this provision may face a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment for a maximum of five years, or both," the statement said.
So far, only seven companies in Malaysia have obtained MOH's "Authentic Food Certification" for honey products
"The Health Ministry also offers an 'Authentic Food Certification Scheme' which aims to recognise food products that are certified authentic or genuine and meet the criteria set in this Certification Scheme. This includes honey products, meat, coffee, and swiftlet nests. To date, seven companies have obtained Authentic Certification for honey products from the Health Ministry," it said.
Additionally, MOH is currently collaborating with the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Agriculture to determine the purity of honey using the isotope method recommended by the Codex Alimentarius, which is a collection of internationally adopted food standards.
You can find the ministry's full statement below:
