Expert claims 90% of honey in Malaysia is artificial
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According to Zulkifli Mustafa, a senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), up to 90% of honey available in Malaysia is not genuine.
“The biggest challenge of the honey industry now is the presence of artificial honey, which reaches 90% in the market,” honey expert Mustafa was quoted.
The fake product includes stingless bee honey. Mustafa’s research emphasizes the nutritional value of honey produced by stingless bees, noting its potential health benefits. This variety of bees employs biting as a means of defense rather than stinging.
Following these revelations, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has announced plans to investigate the allegations that a significant portion of honey products sold in the country are counterfeit/
Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, the Minister for Domestic Trade and Cost of Living,has directed the ministry’s enforcement division to examine these claims thoroughly.
This news emerges amidst a broader context of food adulteration concerns. The European Commission’s recent study found that nearly half of the honey samples tested were suspected to be adulterated with inexpensive sugar syrups, as reported by The Guardian in March 2023.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which expert made the claim about the prevalence of artificial honey in Malaysia?
Which expert made the claim about the prevalence of artificial honey in Malaysia?
Zulkifli Mustafa, a senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), made the claim. He stated that up to 90% of honey available in Malaysia is not genuine, including stingless bee honey.
Q.What action is the Malaysian government taking in response to these allegations?
What action is the Malaysian government taking in response to these allegations?
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has announced plans to investigate the allegations. The Minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, has directed the ministry's enforcement division to examine the claims thoroughly.
Q.Does the article mention if this issue is also present in other regions?
Does the article mention if this issue is also present in other regions?
Yes, it mentions that the European Commission's recent study found nearly half of honey samples tested were suspected to be adulterated with inexpensive sugar syrups. This was reported by The Guardian in March 2023.
Q.What is notable about the nutritional value of stingless bee honey?
What is notable about the nutritional value of stingless bee honey?
Mustafa’s research highlights the nutritional value of honey produced by stingless bees, noting its potential health benefits. These bees use biting as a defense mechanism instead of stinging.
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