Stevia extract is a type of natural sweetener taken from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni plant which contains steviol glycosides. It is processed into white or light yellow powder, is odourless and has a sweet taste.

It can be used to replace ordinary sugar, and is usually used by diabetics.

Health ministry director-general Noor Hisham Abdullah said the investigations followed a report on laboratory tests conducted on the products by two universities.

According to the report, tests conducted by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia and Universiti Putra Malaysia found that the products did not contain plant extract, but a combination of chemicals that are hazardous to health.

“The ministry is investigating the matter to ascertain the products comply with food laws.

“Regulation 118A of the Food Regulations 1985, Food Act 1983, has set the standards for stevia extract products,” he said in a media statement here today.

Citing Section 13 of the Food Act 1983, Noor Hisham said it was an offence for anyone to import, distribute, keep or sell food that contains dangerous poisons or is hazardous to health, including stevia products.

He said those found guilty face a fine of not more than RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.

He said consumers with inquiries on food safety could contact the state health department or district health office in their respective areas.