Masjid Negara Grand Imam wants stern action against tainted chocolate producer

The Grand Imam of Masjid Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Tan Sri Syaikh Ismail Muhammad, wants stern action to be taken against Cadbury Confectionery (M) Sdn Bhd following the detection of pig DNA in two of its chocolate products.

He proposed a heavy fine or closure of the factory to serve as a lesson to other food producers to ensure that their products met the stipulated halal standards.

However, he would support any decision made by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) against the company so long as the incident did not recur, he told reporters after presenting gifts to patients at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here today.

Last Saturday, the Health Ministry confirmed the presence of pig DNA in two Cadbury chocolate samples, namely Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut and Cadbury Dairy Milk Roast Almond.

Syaikh Ismail advised Muslims to exercise caution and to check on the halal status of food before consuming them.

"At the same time, we also hope the authorities will continue to monitor other food-producing companies to avert a similar incident," he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Consumer Protection and Welfare Board (LPKPM) chairman Prof Datuk Seri Dr Saharuddin Awang Yahya said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) should take legal against the producer of the Cadbury chocolates.

He said the company should also apologise openly to Muslims and withdraw all its chocolate products from the market for fear they were produced using the same machine as the chocolates which were tainted with the pig DNA.

"Merely giving the company advice and warning is not enough, it should be taken to court so that it can be a lesson to others," he told a media conference here today.

He said a more frequent checks should also be conducted by Jakim at factories owned by non-Muslims, including those involved in the production of cosmetic products.