Malaysia Issues Import Notice for Irradiated Foods

On July 29, 2024, Malaysia issued a notice emphasizing the requirements for importing foods that have been treated with ionizing radiation.

In Malaysia, food that has been treated with ionizing radiation must comply with the Food Act 1983, Food Regulations 1985, and especially the specialized regulation, Food Radiation Regulations 2011. According to the Food Radiation Regulations 2011, only specific food categories listed in the Third Schedule of the regulations are permitted to be irradiated for approved purposes and within the allowed dose limits. Involved food categories include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables;

• Cereals and their milled products, nuts (including chestnut, coconut), oil seeds, pulses, dried fruits and their products;

• Fish and fish products and frog legs;

• Meat and meat products;

• Dried vegetables, spices, condiments, dry herbs, tea;

• Dried food of animal origin;

• …

For food that has been treated with ionizing radiation, no person shall import, manufacture, advertise for sale, or sell any of them unless the irradiation certificate as prescribed in the Fourth Schedule of the Food Radiation Regulations 2011 has been certified by the food irradiation premises. The content of the certificate of irradiation is shown below.

The notice issued this time mainly emphasizes that:

• If the food is not accompanied by an Irradiation Certificate, its importation is prohibited.

• The food must also comply with the labeling requirements as stipulated under the Food Irradiation Regulations 2011.

• It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure that the food imported into Malaysia complies with all food safety requirements, food standards, and labeling matters as provided under the Food Act 1983 and other regulations.

For more details, please check this official bullet.