Recalled instant noodle products safe for consumption, says health DG

The health ministry today said that the two instant noodle products recalled following the detection of ethylene oxide have been found to be safe for consumption.

Health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the "Penang Ah Lai White Curry" and "Indomie Special Chicken Flavour" products had also complied with the stipulated legislation. 

He said this was confirmed by a laboratory analysis carried out on samples of the two types of noodles.

"For imported food, the health ministry implements six levels of inspection at the country’s entry points based on risks.

"For Level 5 inspection, which is hold, test and release (TUL), food products entering the country will be held and analysed first and only food products that comply with the standards will be released for the Malaysian market," he said in a statement today.

He said that from 2022 to April this year, a total of 317 samplings for the purpose of TUL had been carried out. Of the total, 37 (11.67%) were TUL samplings on instant noodle products of various brands for ethylene oxide parameters.
 
Radzi also said that the ministry would cooperate with the companies involved to ensure that products found to be non-compliant are withdrawn from the market.

For more information regarding the issue, consumers can contact the nearest district health office, or visit http://moh.spab.gov.my or the food safety and quality division Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.

The health ministry had ordered a voluntary recall of the "Penang Ah Lai White Curry" product for batches expiring on Aug 25, 2023 following the detection of ethylene oxide in the product as well as the "Indomie Special Chicken Flavour" noodles.

The ministry also issued a directive to hold, test and release the "Indomie Special Chicken Flavour" instant noodle product from Indonesia at all entry points of the country, and urged its manufacturer to voluntarily recall the affected products from the market.

Ethylene oxide is a chemical gas that is carcinogenic and often used as pesticides. It is also an active ingredient in detergents, not allowed to be used on surfaces that come into contact with food.