KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian importer responsible for bringing in Medjool dates from Israel has issued an apology and promptly recalled the products from store shelves.
Matahari Sdn Bhd expressed regret for its actions, acknowledging an error in judgement regarding the distribution of the product within the local market.
The company clarified that the dates were included in a consignment of organic food imported from Greece and had not been intentionally sourced from Israel.
“In June 2022, we received a shipment of mixed food, including dates, from our suppliers in Greece. Being an importer, wholesaler, and distributor of organic and natural products, it is partof our procedure to label all our products with details including origin to ensure all products meet the requirements for organic certification,” it said, as quoted by the NST.
“The certificate of analysis provided by our supplier listed the dates as sourced from Israel/Occupied Palestinian Areas.
“Ignorantly and, in hindsight, without being sensitive to the issue, we then proceeded to labeling the product, including listing Israel as origin,” it said.
Upon realising the mistake and facing public backlash on social media, the company said it promptly took action.
We immediately contacted our resellers and recalled the product.
“We share the concerns of our fellow Malaysians, particularly those of the Muslim communities, and would like to affirm that we do not support Israel in any way.”
Matahari emphasised its commitment to transparency and cooperation with authorities, pledging full collaboration with the Customs Department in addressing the matter.
Yesterday, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to monitor the sale of Israeli products.
He pledged action against parties violating the Trade Description Act 2011, following the recent seizure of Israeli-origin dates.
This came after the news that 73 packs of organic Jumbo Medjool dates from Israel had been seized by the Customs Department recently.
The Customs Department Deputy Director-General (Enforcement and Compliance), Datuk Sazali Mohamad, was reported as saying the dates were brought to Malaysia from Europe and declared foodstuffs before being repackaged for sale.
In response, Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid suggested focusing on developing the local date industry, urging the government to prioritise domestic production.
The company added that it is currently reviewing its supply chain processes and will implement recommendations received from authorities to prevent such incidents in the future
It said since its establishment in 2006, the company has consistently adhered to all relevant regulations and ethical business practices to ensure the traceability and integrity of its products. – March 15, 2024