Health Ministry investigating claims of illness after consuming Gardenia products

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Malaysia is investigating allegations of illness following the consumption of Gardenia products, including Gardenia Original Classic White Bread and Twiggies Choc-A-Lot. The ministry has initiated laboratory analysis and will conduct inspections at the Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd factory to ensure compliance with the Food Act 1983.

MOH stated that internal investigations by Gardenia found no deviations in production processes, recipe changes, or non-compliance with standard operating procedures and food safety controls. However, the traceability of the products involved remains incomplete as batch numbers and expiry dates were not provided. The ministry emphasized that Gardenia's findings should not be considered definitive.

MOH urged the public to seek medical attention if they experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or discomfort after consuming the suspected products and to report such incidents to the nearest District Health Office. They also advised against speculating, which could cause confusion. Food safety complaints can be submitted through the Public Complaints Management System (SiSPAA) on the MOH website or the Food Safety and Quality Programme's Facebook page.