Cadbury issue: Consumers should understand the chemical analysis involved - FOMCA

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (FOMCA) deputy president, Muhammad Shaani Abdullah want consumers to understand that the chemical analysis process involved various irregular factors which can cause differences to a test.

Speaking to AWANI745 on the issue of the pig DNA found in two of Cadbury chocolate products, Shaani said that the samples taken by the Ministry of Health was obtained from the market while the samples for the Chemistry Department was obtained from the chocolate factory.

This was a major factor which could create differences in its findings.

Shaani was also of the opinion that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the regulatory compliance of halal certificate should be streamlined.

Any quarters which intends to do a testing should revert to the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in order for a review on the findings to be done as soon as possible.

He added in order not to lose consumers’ confidence towards the halal certification, a third testing should be done by an independent lab should there be irregularities in the first two findings.

Halal status questioned

Meanwhile, chief activist of the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) Datuk Nadzim Johan said that the method of handling crisis such as this should be re-looked.

This is because Malaysia is seen as a successful halal hub and the pig DNA incident had created doubts locally and internationally.

The authorities have also been urged to discuss the matter before issuing any statements and not to take time in providing a decision.

Issue happened too fast

Nadzim added that the issue’s fast pace development and fast laboratory findings had also created a stir among consumers on the halal certification of certain products.

The Ministry of Health on May 24 had confirmed the existence of pig DNA ( porcine) in two of Cadbury Dairy Milk product.

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on May 26 said that the official announcement on the Cadbury chocolate halal status will be announced as soon as analysis report is received from the Chemistry Department within seven days.

Meanwhile, the National Fatwa Council on May 29 confirmed that the original decision on the Cadbury product which was confirmed as 'halal' before it was claimed to contain the pig DNA has been maintained and the product can be consumed by Muslims.

The chairman of the Committee of the National Fatwa Council, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin said that it was included in the 'Umum al-Balwa' category, a rampant problem which was difficult to avoid.