KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 – The Ministry of Health (MOH) is exploring the possibility of introducing a Safe Food Certification as a mandatory requirement for food supply services at all Ministry facilities in Putrajaya.
The proposal was presented during the 16th National Food Safety and Nutrition Council Meeting yesterday, chaired by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
In a statement today, Dr Zaliha said the MOH is now considering the proposal and will be examining it further before deciding on any action to be taken.
The National Food Safety and Nutrition Council Meeting was attended by key representatives from various ministries and agencies, including Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang.
Additionally, four non-governmental organisations – the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM), and the Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity (MASO) – were also present at the meeting.
A range of key topics were discussed during the meeting, including the National Food Safety Policy, the implementation of an online monitoring system for the National Plan of Action for Nutrition Malaysia (MS-NPANM), and the adoption of ASEAN-level agreements on the inspection and certification of food products.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of reporting new nutrient claims for trans fatty acids and new function claims for antioxidants from palm oil, as well as the industry’s commitment to producing healthier food products.
The MOH also unveiled its latest strategic plan to tackle Malaysia’s sugar consumption issue. The Strategic Plan to Reduce Sugar Intake among Malaysians (2023-2025) will involve multi-sectoral action and is set to be a key component of the government’s efforts to improve public health, Dr Zaliha said.
“This meeting will serve as an appropriate platform for discussion and coordination of activities to address current food safety and nutrition issues to improve service delivery for the well-being of the Malaysian people,” Dr Zaliha said.
