Banned chemical: Advice to eat less pork
Malaysiakini
Nov 9, 2006
Soon Li Tsin

The reckless use of a banned chemical by unscrupulous pig farmers may cost lives and the Health Ministry is not taking that risk.

Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek said greedy pig farmers are still using beta-agonist (a growth enhancer often mixed with feed) in taking advantage of the rise in pork prices.

He advised consumers to turn to other kinds of meat from today onwards while the government executes measures to curb this problem.

“We hope consumers reduce their pork intake while this (enforcement measures) takes pace. We hope the farmers realise that the use of BA (beta-agonist) can damage the health of the consumers.

“Meat comes in so many forms, you don’t have to take pork. You can take chicken, fish and tofu,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

Chua said the Health Ministry will liaise with the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry to ensure that imported pig feed do not contain beta agonist and empower customs officer to confiscate them.

It will also work with the Local Government and Housing Ministry to clamp down on illegal slaughterhouses which pig farmers turn to evade government checks on pigs with beta agonist.

Farmers and illegal slaughterhouses found harbouring pigs with this banned chemical will be subjected to a one month quarantine and closure if found guilty.

Proof of invoice

Chua said the Malaysian Pork Sellers Association and Malaysian Pork Farmers Association have voiced support in clamping down on irresponsible farmers.

Pork sellers also run the risk of a RM100,000 fine and five-year jail sentence if they fail to provide an invoice of their supplier.

“We insist that sellers must have proof of invoice to document where the pork came from, it is very important.

“We hope sellers would be able to do this instantly because if beta agonist is found in the meat, they will be punished. I know it’s not fair but this concerns the consumers’ health,” the minister said.

Banned two years ago, beta-agonist is known to cause palpitations, headaches and arrythmia that leads to heart disease, stroke or sudden cardiac death.

Chua said there are no reports of deaths in the country caused by the chemical so far but such cases have happened in China.