KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 ― The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) must explain why its test results on two Cadbury chocolate products contradicted a previous one by the Health Ministry, a Malay group said today.
Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (JMM) said that Jakim owed Muslim consumers an explanation over the presence of porcine DNA in the test conducted by the Health Ministry, which it insisted “clearly showed” contamination in the two types of chocolate bars.
JMM president Azwanddin Hamzah said that Jakim's halal authentication of the two products did little to alleviate concerns among Muslims that the items were safe for consumption, and pointed out that Jakim director Datuk Othman Mustapha had stated on May 24 that there was porcine contamination.
“The Jakim director has failed to explain the cause of the contamination to Muslims… this has brought upon a lot of speculation towards Jakim and has caused Muslims to be unconvinced with Jakim's statement.
“Muslims are confused and are demanding to know the cause of the contamination,” Azwanddin said in a statement.
On May 24, the Health Ministry announced that it detected pig DNA in samples taken from the Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Hazelnut and Dairy Milk Roast Almond products already out in the market, sparking an uproar among Muslim groups.
But Jakim announced yesterday that an analysis by the Chemisty Department of samples of the two products taken from the factory found no traces of porcine contamination in the chocolates.
Azwanddin added that Jakim should have its own laboratory dedicated to conducting tests on food products for halal certification instead of relying on the Health Ministry or the Chemistry Department.
“Jakim has not even urged the Health Ministry to explain matters… or even sue the Health Ministry,” JMM’s statement said.
The Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) said it will continue its boycott of all products under the Cadbury Malaysia and Kraft Foods Manufacturing Malaysia.
