Food Safety Standards in Malaysia : A quick overview

Malaysians, are one of the most overweight population in Asia. In fact, Malaysians are the fattest nation in South East Asia. The population is also one of the most diabetic amongst asians. Well, making headlines for the wrong reasons, in terms of health and lifestyle. The question is, with such advancement in technology, why are we still trailing behind in terms of weight management, disease and health status? Shouldn't disease rates dropped to a fraction and health status amongst general population improved with minimal symptoms? Obviously, most of us know this is not the case, and our health status has decline since the last couple of decades, and disease rates have set record high, in history of mankind. 

While we reap what we sow, we are facing the consequences in terms of health and quality of life. From mental disorders to fertility issues, long list of symptoms such as insomnia, mood swings, brain fog, memory loss and depression, to erectile dsyfunction, low libido, irregular menstrual cycles and inability to conceive for women, we are on the verge of hitting rock bottom, in human evolution. As I've always tell people, "We are a dying breed, from a healthy, strong reproductive species, we've become sick, toxic, and weak". 

All of us, including me, put faith and trust in our own govenrment to ensure our food supplies are safe. Most of us, still think that the food, agriculture and health departments in this country have food safety standards which are the same quality with other nations such as Europe and Australia. A wishful thinking and a naive thought, the last few years of disease rates including obesity and diabetes, have blown off the roof. What have our government done for the last 5-10 years, to improve the health status of Malaysians? The answer is virtually NONE. From the disastrous food pyramid guide (which is almost identical to USA version) to allowing some of the banned chemical or substances (in most countries), the last few years of disease rates have been alarming and conventional medicine have scored low points in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The 'lobbying power' is very influential with pharmaceutical companies and food manufacturers, and who can we trust to ensure our food supplies passed safety standard as the same guidelines as other countries such as Europe, Australia, New Zealand and even Singapore? 

In this brief review of food safety standards in Malaysia, I will focus more on pesticides limits in foods, certain chemical/substances which are banned in most countries. This data obtained below, includes foods entering Malaysia and what is allowed to be added in our food supplies.  When I analyse the so called safety standards guideline, I was shocked to see some of the banned ingredients still allowed in this country? There are easily more then 170 different types of pesticides allowed in our foods and almost all of the crops in non-organic farming. Yes, you read it right, more then 170!

We have been told that low contamination of pesticides in our food supply is safe, as long as it is within safety limit. That is one BIG lie! Wonder why more people are suffering from fertility issues and cancer then ever before? These toxins can accumulate in our body especially fat cells binding to these substances. It can wreck havoc to our endocrine system and cause all sorts of health complications including hormonal imbalances, reproductive disorders, toxicity and others. 

Now, for most foods (including whole foods) which are non-organic, there are multiple pesticides been sprayed on them. Some fruits or vegetables have up to 10-12 different types of pesticides contamination. We are ingesting these toxic chemical day in day out, for months and years, for most people, even since they were born. That's the reason why it is so important, we are eating organic whole foods. Either you pay for the farmers or the hospitals. Eating like how our ancestors ate for countless generations, is the only way of holistic approach towards optimum health and disease free. Our great great grandparents (and generations before that)  do not know about gym, they do not know about calories, and they don't even need dieticians to tell them what and how to eat. It's virtually chemical-free foods and there is no such thing as organic foods back in those days. They were simply eating real whole foods.Well, in the end, the money you spent will determine how the food manufacturers perform financially. If there is no demand, there is no supply. Every cent you pay for what you eat, is very empowering and it all start with one individual, who can influence and advocate others, that's where the 'tipping point' will occur, will that day becomes reality? It's your choice, vote with your money on the foods you pay and eat. Never under estimated what one person can do to change the world.

Now, I present to you, some of the key highlights of the food safety standard guideline in Malaysia. It's time to vote with our money on the foods we buy and eat! 

Pesticides residue limits in foods

Total pesticides allowed in crops/foods - More then 175! (I calculated the entire list)

Why is endosulfan still allowed in Malaysia food chain? It is banned in China, E.U and 144 other countries. It has been linked to fertility issues and harm unborn babies. If you are still drinking commercial non-organic tea products, you should be very concern about it. 

Carrageenan, an emulsifier, thickener and has excitotoxic effect, is commonly used in ice-cream, canned foods, microwavable diners, yogurt, soy milk, cheese and processed foods. It is prohibited in European Union and has no nutritional value. It has been shown in studies to cause gastrointestinal disease in animals. It is no surprise if your child or you yourself is suffering from inflammation in the gut or GI disorders.

Azodicarbonamide (In our food supply, seriously??)

Azodicarbonamide, a hazardous chemical, a flour bleaching agent, commonly used in shoes, yoga mat and floor mats. It's primary use to make breads bigger and faster food processing, thus more $$$.  Why on earth is Malaysia still permitting this dangerous chemical to be used in food products? Although I'm not 100% sure if Malaysia has taken any measures to ban Azodicarbonamide in food supplies. I seriously hope the department of agriculture and health ministry is looking into this harmful chemical. It it banned in Singapore and you will be fined and jailed 15 years if caught using this substance. It is also banned in Australia and Europe including U.K. It has been recognized as a potential cause of asthma, allergic reactions, lungs damage if inhaled. Imagine ingesting into our gut? If anyone remember the incident when truck overturned on Chicago highway in 2001, city officials have to issue the highest hazardous materials alert and evacuate people within a half mile radius!

Foods which commonly contain Azodicarbonamide

- McDonald's Muffins and breads

- Subway breads (contains 40-50 processed ingredients!) Still think Subway is healthy?

- Wendy's breads

- KFC breads

- Burger King

- Other fast food outlets' breads

The Key Players??