CAP raises alarm over coloured papads
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The CAP president, Mohideen Abdul Kader, has expressed concern over brightly colored papads being imported into Malaysia. This follows actions taken by Tamil Nadu authorities against papads with excessive or unauthorized artificial coloring due to health concerns, particularly among children. Papads, a popular South Asian snack, are typically made from black gram flour and fried or cooked until crisp.
They are often served with meals across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, as well as parts of the Caribbean. While Mohideen noted that a market survey in Penang found that such colored papads are still available, priced as low as RM1.25 per 100g, he warned that excessive consumption of food containing unauthorized artificial coloring can lead to health issues such as digestive disorders, allergic reactions, kidney complications, and potentially serious long-term risks.
He urged the Food Safety and Quality division of the Malaysian ministry to conduct nationwide sampling and lab testing of colored papads found in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, night markets, roadside stalls, and shops selling imported food. Products found containing excessive permitted coloring agents or prohibited substances should be recalled, with enforcement action taken against the responsible importers, distributors, and retailers.
Mohideen emphasized that parents should not choose brightly colored food products merely because they appeal to children. He saw Tamil Nadu's actions as a reminder for Malaysia to adopt a precautionary approach to food safety.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
