IF YOU have ever gone to a street market in Malaysia, then you must have seen numerous beverage hawkers selling their refreshments out of an assortment of large containers. One such "container" that seems pretty popular, is the humble aquarium as it lets customers see what they are ordering.
However, is it true that it is illegal to sell drinks out of aquariums?
Verdict:
TRUE
The use of aquariums as containers for selling food and drinks is prohibited under the Food Regulations 1985, says Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.
He said aquariums are made specifically for rearing fish and are not suitable for keeping food and drinks.
"Aquariums are normally made of glass, acrylic or plastic material and may contain chemicals like lead or phthalates, which can dissolve in and contaminate the water and be harmful to health," he said in a statement on Friday (July 21) when commenting on viral reports on the issue.
Dr Muhammad Radzi said the Health Ministry through its Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM) would continue to monitor the sale of food and drinks to ensure traders abide by food safety regulations.
He said consumers who have enquiries on food safety can contact the nearest District Health Office or State Health Department or visit the ministry website at http://moh.spab.gov.my or BKKM Facebook www.facebook.com/bkkmhq. - Bernama
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