A nationwide operation began on Jan 19, coinciding with Chinese New Year celebrations, and will conclude on Feb 1
Malaysia’s Health Ministry (MOH) is monitoring imported mandarin oranges at all 70 entry points across the country during the Chinese New Year (CNY) festive season since November 2024.
According to the MOH, the move was taken to ensure all mandarin oranges entering the country meet the standards outlined in the Food Regulations 1985 and the Food Act 1983.
The major exporters of Mandarin oranges to Malaysia, as identified by the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia, include China, South Africa, Japan, Australia, and Egypt.
To safeguard consumer health, the MOH emphasizes the importance of all importers adhering to food safety regulations at entry points and local markets. Under the Food Act 1983, a nationwide operation began on Jan 19, coinciding with Chinese New Year celebrations, and will conclude on Feb 1.
As per the recent reports, a total of 243 orange samples were analysed and nine samples or 3.7 % did not comply with the maximum pesticide residue rate allowed under the Food Regulations 1985. All non-compliant samples were disposed of according to the offcial satement.
It said importers who breached the regulations will be subjected to Level 5 inspection (hold, test, release) for their next shipment, which will be detained for sampling. Release approval will only be granted if the analysis results meet the standards.
“The MOH will continue to monitor the country’s entry points and local markets to protect consumers and ensure that products available on the market are safe for consumption,” it said, reminding all food importers to adhere to the regulations.
