KKM imposes 'tul' on contaminated romaine lettuce from US

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- As of Nov 23, the Malaysian Health Ministry (KKM) requires Romaine lettuce imported from America to undergo the “Detain, Test and Release’ (TUL) procedure.

Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the ministry’s Food Safety and Quality Department had identified the importers who brought in Romaine lettuce from America and these companies have been told to take the salad out of the market under Section 13C(2) of the Food Act 1983. 

“Information obtained from the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia has confirmed that Malaysia was importing this vegetable from America which has been reported to be contaminated with the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli.

“Failure to abide by the provisions of the section is an offence and if found guilty, the offender can be fined up to RM 100,000 or imprisoned up to 10 years or both, while the seller will be asked to immediately stop selling them,” he said in a statement today.

On Noc 20, the portal of the Washington Post newspaper reported that 32 people from 11 districts in America became ill after consuming Romaine lettuce which had been contaminated by the bacteria.

Dr Mohd Hisham said the Escherichia coli bacteria was a type of pathogenic microorganism which caused diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain.

“In some cases, it can cause death, especially among high risk groups such as infants, the elderly, or anyone with low immunity,” he said.

-- BERNAMA