KOTA BHARU — Enforcement operations by the Kelantan Health Department last year led to the seizure of more than 100 kilogrammes of tea powder containing artificial colouring, as part of efforts to safeguard food safety in the state.
Kelantan State Health Director Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob said a total of 130 kilogrammes of the product, valued at RM3,963, was confiscated following inspections carried out by the Food Safety and Quality Division.
He said checks were conducted at 20 premises, including grocery stores, wholesale outlets and food establishments, to detect violations involving counterfeit tea and non-compliant food labelling.
As a result of the inspections, two offences were compounded under the Food Regulations 2017, with a total compound value of RM1,000.
Three tea suppliers were also prosecuted in court for breaching Regulation 260(3) of the Food Regulations 1985, involving one case in Kota Bharu and two cases in Machang.
Dr Mohd Azman said the court imposed fines of RM5,000 for the Kota Bharu case and RM1,500 for each Machang case, amounting to RM8,000 in total fines.
He reiterated that the use of any colouring substances in tea is strictly prohibited and urged consumers to remain vigilant and report suspected violations to health authorities.