On 29 January, Brunei’s Religious Department confirmed the presence of pork DNA in an Italian food product, La Pasta Carbonara Flavour Pasta and Sauce.
According to the department’s official statement, laboratory analysis verified that the San Remo Macaroni Co. Pty Ltd. product contains porcine DNA. The department subsequently instructed local retailers to segregate the affected items and ensure they are not sold to Muslim consumers.
The statement has since circulated on social media, prompting concern among Muslim consumers in Malaysia over the halal status of the product locally.
“The product is not available here.”
In an official statement issued this morning (31 January), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) responded to the concerns, clarifying that the product does not carry halal certification from JAKIM.
Further checks on the official San Remo Malaysia website also show that La Pasta Carbonara Flavour Pasta and Sauce is not marketed in Malaysia.
Additionally, the product’s packaging does not display any halal logo issued by foreign halal certification bodies recognised by JAKIM.
JAKIM said it will continue monitoring efforts together with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and will work closely with Brunei’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to obtain further information regarding the product.
In the meantime, JAKIM advised the public to always choose products certified halal by JAKIM or by foreign halal certification bodies recognised by the department.
“Consumers should remain cautious and check product labels and ingredients carefully before making purchases.”
JAKIM also reminded consumers to report any misuse of halal logos on non‑halal products to the authorities so that appropriate action can be taken.
In a separate incident, KPDN in Perak recently raided a food court stall owned by a non‑Muslim operator for misusing Quranic verses displayed at the premises.
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