PASIR PUTEH: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will conduct further inspection over the influx of ‘Shine Muscat’ grapes imported into the country.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said inspections will be carried out by relevant agencies such as the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department and the Agriculture Department’s biosecurity division.
He stressed that the ministry will review all aspects as well as conduct constant monitoring.
“So far, the ministry has not received any complaints on the grapes containing excessive chemical residue,” he told reporters after presenting letters of appointment to 48 chief farmers of the Water User Group for the Kemasin Semerak Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) 2024 in Tok Bali, here on Sunday (Oct 27).
Mohamad Sabu reassured that the ministry would take immediate action if any complaints are received or incidents occur.
Earlier, the Thai Pesticide Alert Network issued a warning over contamination of ‘shine muscat’ grapes after finding that most samples are believed to contain harmful chemical residue exceeding the permitted levels.
Thai-PAN and the Thai Consumer Council have urged the Thai ministry of public health to take immediate action, including requiring importers and distributors to label the country of origin for imported ‘Shine Muscat’ grapes. – Bernama
