Pre-mixed coffee will not be taken off shelves: Malaysian health minister

Samples of an instant coffee mixture, identified in some local media reports as Mycafe Penang Durian White Coffee, were detected with a substance believed to be drugs. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

GEORGE TOWN (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The pre-mixed coffee that caused at least five people to become ill after consuming it will not be taken off the shelves in Malaysia as there is no evidence to suggest contamination at the main production line, said Health Minister Dr S. Subramaniam on Sunday (Feb 4).

Datuk Seri Subramaniam said apart from the samples of the "tampered" coffee sachets which police say contained substances believed to be drugs, there was no evidence for now to put the blame on the producers of the coffee product.

"Until we finalise the investigation, we would advice people to be careful. And until we have stronger evidence to incriminate the producers, we do not have any immediate intention to withdraw it from the shelves in stores," he said at a press conference after an event on Sunday.

Dr Subramaniam said that the ministry had paid a visit to the factory and found no evidence of drugs after conducting tests on their products.

On Saturday, George Town police chief Anuar Omar revealed that substances were found in the samples of the premix coffee consumed by two Nepalese security guards.

"Checks showed that the sachets were opened and resealed as signs of tearing were found at the bottom.

"The resealed sachets also weighed 10g more than its original weight of 40g. There was a green substance inside which is different from the original," he said.

Five patients received treatment at Penang Hospital between Jan 27 and 30 after consuming the pre-mixed durian coffee.

The victims, who included the two Nepalese guards, were warded with severe fatigue after drinking the beverage.

Singapore's food authority however has taken the precaution of recalling the product, identified in some local media reports as Mycafe Penang Durian White Coffee.

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