by Rose.

The Chemistry Department has confirmed that no traces of porcine deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were found in any of the ham and cheese sandwich samples that had been accused of misusing the Halal logo.

“The Chemistry Department has confirmed that there is no porcine DNA in any of these sandwich samples,” Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated during the Sentuhan Kasih Programme, Rahmah Madani Sales, and Consumer Advocacy Programme in Sandakan.

Armizan emphasized the importance of transparency in the investigation and stressed that only the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has the authority to certify Halal products.

“This issue is not something to be taken lightly. Proper Halal certification is crucial, and our enforcement officers, while not the certifiers, will take strict action against any misuse of the Halal logo,” he said, encouraging the public to report any suspicions or complaints.

Addressing criticisms that the ministry was slow to act, Armizan detailed the rapid response timeline:

• Jan 10: The issue went viral, and enforcement officers immediately investigated the implicated premises.
• Jan 13: Samples of the sandwiches were collected for laboratory testing.
• Jan 14: JAKIM was consulted regarding the halal certification.
• Jan 20: The Chemistry Department confirmed the absence of porcine DNA.
• Jan 23: The Attorney-General’s Chambers approved prosecution.
• Jan 24: The responsible company and its director faced charges in court.

“Within just two weeks, we completed a full investigation and took legal action,” he clarified.

The controversy began when a sandwich sold at Universiti Malaya’s convenience store raised public concerns due to the use of the Malaysian Halal logo on its packaging.

Following inspections by JAKIM and the ministry, two convenience store outlets at UM were shut down on Jan 10.

The store stated that the supplier, Shake And Bake Cafe, had provided a Halal certificate for the chicken ham and cheese ingredients. However, legal action was later taken against the supplier for misusing Halal certification, and business dealings with them were ceased.

On Jan 24, the pastry company and its director were charged in two Sessions Courts with 12 counts of using a fake Halal logo.

This incident underscores the importance of strict Halal certification adherence and highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring consumer confidence in Halal products.

Sourced: New Straits Times.