Consumers do not have to worry about the level of sulphur dioxide in disposable bamboo chopsticks following reports of high toxicity content in the tool made in China, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said the Health Ministry found the content of sulphur dioxide in bamboo chopsticks was low, at 22 parts per million (ppm) compared to the level set by the Food Sanitation Standards, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Taiwan, that is not to exceed 500 ppm.
"The ministry conducts regular enforcement and monitoring on issues related to food safety to ensure the health of the people is always guaranteed," he said in a statement today.
There have been concerns among the public following a report entitled "Cheap chopsticks may be toxic, expert says" on the website usa.chinadaily.com.cn dated March 19, 2013, which claimed there was high content of sulphur dioxide in disposable bamboo chopsticks made in China.
According to the report, the sulphur dioxide is believed to be used as a bleaching agent, as well as to prevent fungus attacks during the manufacture of bamboo chopsticks.
Dr Noor Hisham said according to the Food Regulations 1985, sulphur dioxide is classified as a permitted preservative in certain foods, and at certain levels.
"Sulphur dioxide is not harmful to humans when used in permissible concentration. However, it can cause tiredness to people who are sensitive to the substance when inhaled or ingested," he said.
He said if consumers were weary about the safety-levels of food appliances available in the local market, they can report to the ministry through the district health office, or the nearest state health department office, or
through the ministry's website at moh.spab.gov.my, or the Food Safety and Quality Division's Facebook page www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.
Bernama
Wed Mar 16 2016
Sulphur dioxide is not harmful to humans when used in permissible concentration, the Health Ministry says.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.