Malaysian Biscuit Brands Say Their Products Are Safe, In Response To Hong Kong Report

At the same time, Bloomberg reports that the Food Safety Department will be investigating the allegations.

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Previously, the Hong Kong Consumer Council reported that tested biscuit brands including Malaysian favourites such as Jacob’s, Hup Seng, Ritz, Oreos, and more had cancer-causing contaminants.

According to the report, the biscuits contained the genotoxic carcinogens glycidol or acrylamide or both, which are contaminants produced during processing. These cancer-causing contaminants often emerge when processing certain ingredients, such as palm oil, at high temperatures.

Now, both Hup Seng and Jacob’s have released an announcement stating that their biscuits are completely safe for consumption.

Being a socially responsible food manufacturer since 1958, product quality and safety have always been our first and foremost priority.

We wish to ensure that our special cream crackers manufactured and marketed in Malaysia are fit for human consumption and are in compliance with the local regulations, quality standards, and food safety standards. We will extend our fullest cooperation to the authorities in their investigation, if required.

We sincerely thank all our loyal customers and employees for your ongoing support.
Hup Seng in a responding statement to TRP

Mondelēz International (Malaysia), parent company of Jacob’s, has also given their statement regarding the alleged claims.

We know how important it is for consumers to trust the quality and safety of the products that they choose, and this is at the heart of how we make our products. At Mondelēz International, we have a strict food quality assurance and management system for the products we make, and our products are safe to consume. All our products made and sold in Malaysia comply with the local regulations and food safety standards.

In our efforts to ensure we continuously provide the right products, the right way, we use best industry practices that are in line with regulations to empower our consumers to snack right.
Mondelēz International (Malaysia) in a responding statement to TRP

Health Ministry To Investigate

Bloomberg reports that the Health Ministry will be investigating this matter.

The Food Safety and Quality Division under MOH notes that Hup Seng factories hold HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and Health Ministry certificates.

Hup Seng’s shares fell 2.7% to 91 sen on Friday, the most in two months.

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Anne Dorall

Anne is an advocate of sustainable living and the circular economy, and has managed to mum-nag the team into using reusable containers to tapau food. She is also a proud parent of 4 cats and 1 rabbit.