HMF in honey does not have toxic effect - Health DG

The 'hydroxymethyl fulfural (HMF)' ingredient in honey will not give toxic effects to the human health, said Health Director Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

In a statement, he said the matter was clarified by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Germany.

He said the HMF which is the indicator to the quality of honey, will increase according to temperature, besides extending the expiry date.

He said this in response to the report by a local daily recently titled 'Lambakan madu palsu, sintetik' (fake, synthetic honey abundant) and 'Kandungan toksik bawa maut (Deadly toxic ingredient)'.

"The Health Ministry has been monitoring local honey productions since its processing stage and up until now, only one sample did not comply with the standards under Rule 130 of Food Regulations 1985," he said.

He said, failure to comply with the regulations was an offense and could be fined not more than RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years.

Dr Noor Hisham said the ministry will continue with the monitoring measure to ensure that the honey sold in the local market are genuine.

He said the ministry had introduced Authentic Food Certification Scheme on Jan 19, and honey producers were encouraged to participate.

He also advised the public who had any information on fake honey to lodge a report at the state health department, district health office or through Food Safety and Quality Division's Facebook via www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.