Health Ministry investigating claims of illness after consuming Gardenia products

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Malaysia is currently investigating claims of illness following the consumption of Gardenia products. This comes after receiving complaints on social media and in media reports about alleged food poisoning linked to Gardenia's Original Classic White Bread and Twiggies Choc-A-Lot.

MOH spokesman stated that they are awaiting results from laboratory tests and plan to perform follow-up inspections at Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd's factory. They are also confirming compliance with the Food Act 1983.

The preliminary investigation was initiated based on social media and media reports of possible food poisoning incidents. MOH had requested an explanation from Gardenia regarding their internal investigation, which reportedly found no production deviations or non-compliance with standard procedures or food safety controls for the implicated products.

However, traceability of the affected products was limited due to incomplete batch numbers and expiry dates provided by complainants. MOH collected the remaining products and packaging with the complainants' consent for further analysis in the laboratory.

MOH emphasized that their conclusions based on the company's findings are not definitive and that appropriate enforcement action will be taken if any violations or food safety risks are found. The public is advised to refrain from speculation that may cause confusion, and anyone experiencing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or discomfort after consuming the suspected products should seek immediate medical attention and report the matter to the nearest District Health Office.

Food safety complaints can be filed through the Public Complaints Management System (SiSPAA) on the MOH website or the Food Safety and Quality Programme's Facebook page.