Malaysia says it does not import instant hotpot already banned in Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Health Ministry on Saturday (Oct 14) clarified that Malaysia does not import the instant food product Ba Shu Hotpot or Ba Shu Lan Ren, which contains meat from China.

Concerns were raised in both Malaysia and Singapore – which have not certified the product for import – over the availability of Ba Shu Hotpot and Ba Shu Lan Ren on websites such as Qoo10, Shopee Singapore and Carousell.

On Monday, Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority said it has banned the product over its uncertified meat, and recently advised consumers in the Republic to only purchase food from recognised sources.

Malaysia’s Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah confirmed that a review of the Malaysian Food Safety Information System (FoSIM) showed that the product is not imported by local suppliers.

“We want to (make it clear to consumers that) all imported foods have to comply with the provisions of the Food Act 1983 and the regulations under it,” he said.

Dr Noor Hisham said the Ministry is always alert to potential threats to the health of consumers. He added that anyone with concerns over food safety can contact the District Health Office or the nearest state Health Department.

Ba Shu Hotpot and Ba Shu Lan Ren is a product originating in Chengdu, China, and is available in the flavours of Original, Rice and Beef. They come with a heat pack that generates enough heat in room temperature water to steam a small bowl of ingredients for up to 20 minutes. THE NEW STRAITS TIMES