Health Ministry to Inspect Gardenia Factory Following Food Poisoning Allegations

PETALING JAYA: The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) will conduct a follow-up inspection at the Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd factory to verify compliance with the Food Act 1983.

According to the ministry, it is still awaiting laboratory analysis results to assist investigations into the alleged food poisoning incidents.

However, the ministry said efforts to trace the products involved remained limited due to incomplete information regarding production batch numbers and expiry dates.

Nevertheless, the MOH said the remaining products and their packaging had been collected with the complainant’s consent for analysis.

“Preliminary investigations were conducted following complaints that went viral on social media and media reports concerning alleged food poisoning after consuming Gardenia Original Classic White Bread and Twiggies Choc-A-Lot.

“Appropriate enforcement action will be taken if there is evidence of violations or food safety risks,” the ministry said in a statement.

Elaborating further, the MOH said it had also sought clarification from Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd.

According to the company, its internal investigation found no deviations in the production process, recipe changes or non-compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and food safety controls for the products concerned.

However, the MOH stressed that the findings of the company’s internal investigation were insufficient to draw a definitive conclusion regarding the cause of the reported symptoms.

Members of the public are advised to avoid speculation, while individuals experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea or discomfort after consuming the suspected products are urged to seek immediate medical attention and report the matter to their nearest District Health Office.

UTUSAN MALAYSIA