Its minister Hamzah Zainuddin said the ministry was still waiting for the test result of the infant formula that were seized at drug stores and convenience stores in Johor Bahru last Thursday before deciding on the next course of action.
“I hope the report will be out soon. We have to wait and only after it is confirmed can we take the necessary action.
“We will also discussed the matter with the health ministry, which is responsible for approving the product to be sold,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Last Sunday, enforcement officers from the ministry seized 210 boxes of infant formula, believed to be fake, in five raids in Johor Bahru.
Questioned on the delay in conducting the raid as complaints on fake infant formula were sent to his ministry since Oct 14, Hamzah said investigation had to be carried out before the ministry, together with the manufacturer, Mead Johnson Malaysia, could conduct the raid.
He advised parents to exercise caution when buying formula for their children and to buy the product at established outlets, as well as to identify the features that could differentiate the product between genuine and fake ones.
Consumers can also contact the health ministry or Mead Johnson hotline at 1-800-88-3585 to lodge complaints or for any inquiry, he said.
Meanwhile, in Johor Bahru, Johor Health, Environment, Education and Information Committee exco Ayub Rahmat said there had been no reports of any baby suffering from health problems due to their consumption of infant formula.
“We are able to control it (sale of fake infant formula), but we advise consumers to be cautious and always ascertain they only buy genuine products,” he told reporters at the JCare Appreciation carnival yesterday.
He suggested that the ministry explain to the public the features that could help them differentiate between genuine and fake products.