Eating it may endanger health, says MPN

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Council of Professors (MPN) has warned against the prolonged intake of food laced with poppy seeds, saying it could endanger health, especially among children.

MPN Health Science Subcluster head Prof Datuk Dr Jamaludin Moha­med said even though comprehensive studies on consumption of food containing poppy seeds had yet to be carried out, control measures should be in place.

“The people should be made more aware before consuming such food,” he said, adding that poppy seeds could be addictive to those who ate food containing the ingredient.

“The addictive consumption of such cakes, especially among children, may lead to obesity and diabetes due to the sugar content in cakes. It might also affect the heart,” he said.

Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia training director Dr Izham Nayan said Islam prohibited the intake of intoxicating substances.

“There is no need for us to try such things (poppy seed-laced cakes). In fact, I denounce bakeries using poppy seeds in their products,” he added. — Bernama