AVOID BISCUITS WITHOUT LABELS, CONSUMERS ADVISED

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Biscuit lovers are advised not to buy loose
biscuits from night markets, farmers' markets and shops.

The Health Ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division director Noraini
Mohd Othman said this was to avoid buying biscuits that contained melamine
exceeding the permissible level.

She said consumers must also be more alert to avoid food that could
jeopardise their health and their family's.

"We can only educate consumers, but they make the decisions when purchasing
goods. Read the labels before buying.

"Don't only think that loose biscuits are cheaper, but think of the effects
the tainted biscuits have when we consume them," said Noraini in a statement
faxed to Bernama, here Tuesday.

Noraini also advised retailers to be more responsible and to often check
the
ministry's website to avoid selling food products tainted with melamine.

"If there is a food product that does not contain the permissible level of
melamine, we hope they will remove it from the shelves or contact the District
Health Office or State Health Department for more information.

"We also urge consumers to go through the list of products not approved by
the ministry to avoid buying unsafe products," she said.

The division Tuesday certified four products from China and four more
biscuits from Malaysia to be safe for consumption.
-- BERNAMA