GEORGE TOWN: The premix coffee that caused at least five people to become ill after consuming it will not be taken off the shelves as there is no evidence to suggest contamination at the main production line, said Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
The Health Minister said apart from the samples of the "tampered" coffee sachets which police say contained substances believed to be drugs, there was no evidence at the moment 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 launching the Integrated Holistic Therapy Centre at the Derma Sivasanta Clinic in River Road on Sunday (Feb 4).
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 (Feb 3), George Town OCPD Asst Comm 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 premix durian coffee.
The victims, who included the two Nepalese guards, were warded with severe fatigue after drinking the beverage.
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