The Consumers Association of Penang warns that Malaysia’s food safety system may have blind spots, relying on foreign approvals for imported ingredients
PETALING JAYA: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has flagged a potential gap in Malaysia’s oversight of imported food after reports that more than 100 food-related chemicals entered the United States (US) market without formal review.
It said the issue, highlighted by the Environmental Working Group, points to weaknesses in the US food safety system that could also affect countries like Malaysia.
CAP said in a statement that the substances were approved under the Generally Recognised As Safe system, which allows companies to decide if certain ingredients are safe without having to inform the US Food and Drug Administration.
CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said while the system is legal, it raises concerns about transparency and oversight, especially in today’s global food supply chain.
“Decisions made in one country can affect many others,” he said, adding that Malaysia imports large amounts of processed and packaged foods.
He said the issue is not that these ingredients are proven harmful, but that some may enter the market without independent checks.
Malaysia’s food safety system, governed by the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 under the Health Ministry, is generally strong, with strict rules on labelling and approved additives.
CAP said Malaysia, like many countries, depends heavily on documents and certifications from exporting countries for approving food for import.
“It is neither practical nor feasible to conduct full toxicological reassessments of every ingredient. This creates a potential blind spot.
“Ingredients self-certified as safe in the country of origin and not explicitly prohibited under Malaysian laws may enter the domestic market without independent scrutiny.
“Malaysia may therefore be indirectly relying on foreign regulatory systems, even where industry self-approval is permitted.”
He said this is more common in highly processed and health foods which often contain new additives, plant extracts or bioactive ingredients. – By HARITH KAMAL
