BE CAREFUL 

Tasty but deadly

Yes, craving for that piece of dried sour plum can kill you, albeit slowly.

Many types of dried fruits imported from China, Taiwan and other Asian

countries have been found to contain high levels of lead.

On Thursday, the Government banned 18 important brands of dried fruits found

to have lead content of between 0.11 and 30.3 parts per million (ppm) or

milligram (mg)/kilogramme (kg).

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said only dried fruit products other

than these brands would be allowed to be sold in the country.

craving...two women buying dried plums in a hypermarket

"Under Regulation 38 of the Food Regulations 1985, the level of lead accepted

is two parts per million. Action will be taken if the lead content exceeds the

amount," he said.

Those who distribute food products deemed to be harmful to health can be

charged under Section 13(1) of the Food Act 1983. They can also be fined up to

RM100,000 or jailed up to maximum of 10 years or both if found guilty.

Liow said the ministry would ensure that the brands of banned dried fruit do not

enter the country.

Lead is a metal that can be absorbed into the body over time.

Excess consumption, especially by the young, can lead to serious health

problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning

deficiencies.

Many types of imported fried fruits countries have been found to contain high levels of lead