Two samples of Cadbury chocolate that are said to have traces of pig (porcine) DNA have been taken from a factory here for tests, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.
He said the samples were being examined by a laboratory in Petaling Jaya authorised by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to issue halal certificates.
The lab, gazetted as a competent food laboratory in food analysis, is accredited by the Department of Standards under the Laboratory Accreditation Scheme of Malaysia based on the Standard of MS ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 for DNA testing, including testing of processed foods.
"The samples of Cadbury products were taken from the plant to avoid contamination. The source of the samples is important in analysing the content of the material in a lab.
"The Health Ministry lab is not dedicated to determine whether a product is 'halal' or contains a pig DNA, but associated discoveries, and their samples are not from a factory," he told reporters after opening an assembly in conjunction with the national dakwah programme 2014 here Sunday.
Jamil Khir urged the public to wait until the test results on the two products were known on Wednesday.
The Health Ministry recently detected two samples of the Cadbury chocolate, namely the Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut and Cadbury Dairy Milk Roast Almond which contained pig DNA (porcine).
Following the uproar, Jakim held a meeting with the Health Ministry, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, the Chemistry Department, and the Department of Standards Malaysia.
The meeting has agreed that Jakim will carry out tests to determine the halal status of the products and the Health Ministry is supposed to submit its analysis officially to Jakim to facilitate investigations.
Bernama
Sun Jun 01 2014
Jakim had previously said there are strict guidelines in taking product samples; only specific Jakim-appointed people can take samples and it must be from the factory, not from the streets or shops.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
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.