CAP should share with the Health Ministry information on the premises where six samples of belacan and one of huat kueh containing Rhodamine B were found (alleged to be the same premises in Penang and Kuala Lumpur where CAP had taken samples in April and May). Had CAP collaborated with us on the information, we would surely have raided the premises.

For CAP's information, we do not analyse belacan alone but thousands of other products in ensuring safe food is sold to the public. There are thousands of premises in this country selling food to the public and our officers might have missed the shop that CAP took samples from.

In 2005, out of 320 samples of belacan, we found that five samples (1.56 per cent) contained Rhodamine B. We confiscated 870kg of the product. Legal action was also instituted.

Last year, 75 samples were tested and only six samples (8.0 per cent) contravened regulations. So far this year (up to April), 54 samples have been taken; only four samples (7.41 per cent) were found to contain Rhodamine B.
 
By : DR ABD RAHIM MOHAMAD, Director of Food Safety and Quality Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia