In a statement, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said it also found that the average level of acrylamide was 246 μg/kg (microgramme per kilogramme) which was below the benchmark level set by the European Union (EU) Commission regulations, which was 350 μg/kg.

Last week, the Hong Kong Consumer Council had claimed that high levels of cancer-causing substances like glycidol and acrylamide were found after it tested 60 samples of biscuits and crackers sold in Hong Kong.

It said the carcinogens emerged because of the high temperatures used when making the products and are caused by certain ingredients used in baking biscuits or crackers.

Noor Hisham said acrylamide and glycidol were contaminants that could be produced during food processing.

However, he noted that these could be controlled through the selection of appropriate raw materials and processes.

“Users can get a guide on acrylamide contamination in food from the health ministry’s food safety and quality division’s official Facebook page.

“The health ministry is always sensitive and concerned about issues that can threaten the health of consumers.

“Users can also contact the nearest state health department or district health office or get details from the website http://moh.spab.gov.my if they have issues related to food safety,” he said.

Among the brands listed by the Hong Kong Consumer Council are Hup Seng and Jacobs, manufactured in Malaysia.

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