PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has banned the sale and advertisement of ASGG Gluta Genc Glow Gummies after the product was found to contain glutathione, an unauthorised active ingredient under the Food Regulations 1985.
Ongoing surveillance by the Food Safety and Quality Programme (PKKM) detected that the gummies did not comply with regulations.
The ministry stated that glutathione is not listed under Table 12, Schedule Two, Regulation 26 of the Food Regulations 1985, which outlines permitted added nutrients in food.
As such, glutathione is not allowed in food products.
The ministry explained that products containing glutathione must instead be registered with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency.
Due to the violation, the product is now prohibited from being sold or advertised in Malaysia.
Checks revealed the gummies were marketed on several e-commerce platforms, including Shopee, Lazada and TikTok.
As of Monday (Nov 10), a total of 121 requests for advertisement blocking have been submitted to the respective e-commerce platform providers.
Under Section 13B(2)(d) of the Food Act 1983, it is an offence to add any substance to food that is not permitted under the Act or its regulations.
Offenders may face fines up to RM100,000, jail up to 10 years or both.
The ministry has also issued a warning to traders and distributors, including online sellers, who still have remaining stock of the product.
All sales must be stopped immediately, and sellers are instructed to contact the nearest District Health Office for product seizure.
All advertising media, including e-commerce sites and social platforms, must cease running ads for the product.
Consumers currently using the product are advised to stop consumption immediately and seek medical advice or treatment from health professionals.
"Consumers are urged to be vigilant when purchasing food products that may contain unauthorised substances," the ministry said.
The public may report food safety issues or incidents to the nearest district Health Office or state Health Department.
Reports may also be lodged through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) or via the Food Safety and Quality Programme’s official Facebook page at http://moh.spab.gov.my or https://www.facebook.com/bkkmofficial.
