Gummy Candy Fails to Meet Food Safety Standards; Health Ministry Urges Sellers to Halt Sales and Surrender Products

(Kuala Lumpur, 16th) The Ministry of Health has confirmed that a type of gummy candy sold on e-commerce platforms does not meet food safety standards.

In a statement released today, the Ministry of Health pointed out that this product, named "ASGG GLUTA GENC GLOW GUMMIES," was confirmed to contain the active ingredient Glutathione, which is not listed under the permitted nutrients in the First List of the Twelfth Schedule, Regulation 26 of the Food Regulations 1985. Therefore, this ingredient is not allowed to be used as a food ingredient.

The statement noted that products containing Glutathione must be registered with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). For this reason, such products cannot be sold or advertised for sale.

The Ministry of Health stated that after investigation, this product was being sold on several e-commerce platforms, including Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. As of the 10th of this month, the authorities had already submitted 121 prohibition requests for advertisements on the involved platforms.

The statement further pointed out that according to Section 13B(2)(d) of the Food Act 1983, any substance not permitted under the act and its subsidiary regulations shall not be added to food. Upon conviction, offenders can be fined up to RM100,000, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both.

Therefore, the Ministry of Health urges all sellers who are selling this product online or still have stock to immediately stop selling the product and contact their nearest district health office to surrender the relevant products.

"In the meantime, all advertisements, including those on e-commerce platforms and social media, about the product must be stopped immediately."

"Members of the public who are currently consuming the product are also advised to stop using it at once and to consult with professional healthcare personnel for advice and treatment."