The Health Ministry (KKM) has been urged to conduct immediate laboratory testing and recall coloured papadom products from the market if they are found to contain excessive artificial colouring or prohibited dyes.
Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the call followed action by India’s Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department (TNFSD), which ordered a ban on the sale of coloured papadom containing excessive artificial colouring.
He said the development should serve as a reminder for Malaysian authorities to strengthen monitoring of imported food products available in the local market.
“CAP recently conducted a market survey in Penang and found brightly coloured papadom from India still readily available locally,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Mohideen said some of the products were also sold at low prices, with certain varieties retailing for as little as RM1.25 per 100 grammes, making them easily accessible to consumers.
He said the bright colours and low prices could particularly attract families looking for snacks for children. According to TNFSD, excessive consumption of synthetic food dyes may contribute to digestive problems, allergic reactions and kidney-related complications.
Long-term exposure to certain prohibited or excessively used artificial food colourings has also been linked to an increased risk of serious illnesses, including cancer, he said.
Mohideen added that children could be more vulnerable to certain risks, citing studies that have associated some artificial food colourings with behavioural issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among susceptible individuals.
He urged KKM, through its Food Safety and Quality Division, to conduct sampling and laboratory analysis of coloured papadom sold nationwide.
The proposed checks should cover supermarkets, grocery shops, convenience stores, night markets, roadside stalls and other outlets selling imported food products, he said.
“If products are found to contain colouring above permitted levels or prohibited dyes, they should be immediately recalled and their sale stopped.
“Appropriate enforcement action should also be taken against the importers, distributors and retailers responsible,” he said.
Mohideen said monitoring of imported snacks should also be strengthened to ensure full compliance with the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985, particularly provisions governing permitted food additives and colourings.
He also advised parents not to be influenced by the bright appearance of snacks when choosing food for their children.
Consumers, he said, should consider traditionally prepared papadom made using natural ingredients such as urad dal and rice flour, rather than products that rely heavily on artificial colouring.
