The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a warning against traders or businesses using aquariums as containers for selling food and drinks in our country, stressing that it is harmful to health.
Not only that, such a practice is also an offence under the Food Regulations 1985. In a statement today, Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said that aquariums are made specifically for rearing fish and are not suitable for keeping food and drinks.
He asserted,
“Aquariums are normally made of glass, acrylic or plastic material and may contain chemicals like lead or phthalates, which can dissolve in and contaminate the water and be harmful to health.”
This is following a viral post on social media of an ‘Air Balang’ stall in UiTM Shah Alam using what looks like aquariums as beverage containers, as well as water pumps and filters to keep the drinks flowing.
The post has caught the attention of many on the internet, being reposted on several accounts of various social media platforms.
As we’ve shared previously, many commenters on the original post were concerned about the hygienic aspect of the practice, whereby aquarium containers, pumps and filters are not food-grade.
Furthermore, the Facebook page Public Health Malaysia also issued a warning against the trend, saying that it is harmful to health.
Accordingly, MOH through its Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM) will continuously monitor the sale of food and drinks in our country to ensure traders abide by food safety regulations.
So, what do you guys think of the statement by the Health director-general? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: UiTM Shah Alam ‘Air Balang’ Stall Goes Viral For Using Aquarium Pump to Keep Drinks Flowing
