KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 — The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has ordered the recall of several imported food products from Indonesia after tests revealed they contain pig DNA.
Jakim director-general Datuk Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the affected products may compromise halal standards and urged importers to contact the agency to arrange for their removal from the market.
“Protecting the rights of Muslim consumers and maintaining the integrity of our halal certification system are top priorities,” he said in a statement today.
The recall follows an announcement by Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency, after a joint investigation with the National Agency of Drug and Food Control, found traces of pig DNA in 11 batches of nine food products.
Of these, nine batches from seven products were found to be halal certified, while two batches from two products were uncertified, as listed on its website.
Sirajuddin said Jakim is working with State Islamic Religious Councils and State Islamic Departments to monitor and inspect flagged products that may have reached the local market.
Consumers are being encouraged to report sightings of the affected items through Jakim’s complaint portal.
— Bernama
