PUTRAJAYA, July 10 — In monitoring ceramic cookware in the market the Health Ministry has so far found only one type of cookware which has exceeded the permissible lead leaching limit, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said the study which used the X-ray fluorescence spectrometry technique and found eight types of ceramic utensils containing high levels of heavy metals and chemical elements as reported by a newspaper yesterday differed from the method used by the Health Ministry.

He said the method was used to measure the amount of heavy metals in the ceramic cookwares and not the amount of heavy metals leached into food.

"In this case, the method of analysis conducted by the Health Ministry is more acceptable as it analyses the amount of heavy metals leached into food for the purpose of evaluating its risks to consumers,” he said in a statement here, today.

Yesterday, a local newspaper reported that eight types of ceramic cookwares were found to contain high levels of heavy metals and chemical elements after a preliminary test using the X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was conducted by the the Malaysian Association of Standard Users and Greenfinite Sdn Bhd.

Dr Noor Hisham said the test method conducted by the Health Ministry was consistent with sub-regulation 28(4) of the Food Regulation 1985 under the 1983 Food Act.

He said the regulation provides that ceramic products used for preparing, packaging and storing food should be tested according to the "Malaysian Standard MS 1SO 6846-1 ceramic ware, glass ceramic ware and glass dinnerware in contact with food - Release of lead and cadmium - Part 1: Test method.”

"The amount of lead and cadmium released from ceramic wares should not exceed the maximum amount permitted as stipulated in the regulations.

"Failure to adhere to the regulations is an offence which upon conviction, may be subjected to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years,” he said.

Dr Noor Hisham said the ministry was always sensitive and serious on matters related to consumer safety and gave his assurance on the level of food safety and quality.

He said if there were complaints related to food safety, consumers may contact the State Health Department or the nearest District Health Office or visit the ministry’s website at moh.spab.gov.my or Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/bkkmhq. — Bernama