JOHOR BAHRU – The Johor branch of the Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) found parasitic worms Anisakis sp in samples of sardine cans from China that were brought in through the Sultan Iskandar Building here, earlier this month.
State Maqis director Edie Putra Md Yusof said the worms were found following a seizure of a lorry carrying a load of canned sardines weighing about 16,320kg worth RM83,879.84, which was imported from Singapore without a permit.
He said the further inspection carried out by the Maqis enforcement officers on some of the canned sardines found that they contained the worms.
“Following that, some sardine cans were sent to the Chemistry Department for verification, where the laboratory analysis report found the parasitic worm, identified as Anisakis sp.
“It is an offence under Section 14(a) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728) for importing goods containing pests, diseases or contaminants and offenders can be prosecuted under the same law,” he said in a statement today.
He said the department was always committed to carrying out inspections and enforcement at the country’s entry points to ensure there were no pests and diseases to ensure the country’s food safety. – April 25, 2024