2.6 Health Foods and Health Supplements

Health Foods and Health Supplements

Health foods	Health supplements
Natural food substances in a normal diet that maintain health and contain no chemical substances	Nutrients taken as capsules, pills, liquids or powders in predetermined doses
Issues include availability, high price, processing method and chemicals used in processing	Nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, carbohydrate and fibre are in small quantities but high concentrations
—	Dosage must suit health needs; individual requirements differ, so insufficient or excessive intake can adversely affect users

Regulation and Consumer Protection

• The National Food Safety Policy, enforced by the Food Safety and Quality Division, Ministry of Health (MOH) through food-safety programmes:
  • Protects the public from food and drinks that endanger health.
  • Protects the public from fake health foods and health supplements.
  • Promotes local and global food trade.
• The Drug Control Authority (DCA) registers and monitors health supplements and traditional medicines before marketing.
• MOH-approved products carry labels and QR codes; consumer education raises public awareness.
• Consumers should evaluate confusing advertisements and marketing claims before choosing products.

Food Act 1983

• Protects the public from health hazards and fraud relating to the preparation, sale and use of food.
• A party convicted of selling poisoned food or food that damages health may be fined, imprisoned, or both.

Food Regulations 1985 and Food Labels

• The Food Regulations 1985 are laws drafted under the Food Act 1983.
• MOH and local authorities enforce them so that food is safe, of good quality, clean and free of poisonous contaminants.
• A food label should state:
  • Name of food: clear, accurate and not confusing.
  • Nutritional quality and nutritional label.
  • List of ingredients in descending order by weight.
  • Permitted food additives, including preservatives, colouring, flavouring, additional flavours, antioxidants and conditioners.
  • Storage instructions.
  • Net quantity, weight or volume.
  • Manufacturing information: name and address of manufacturer, packer or agent, including imported products.
  • Expiry date.

Halal Food Status

• An eatery or food product displaying the Halal Malaysia logo certifies that its food is halal.
• Malaysia Halal Certification supports consumer confidence and Malaysia’s halal industry.
• Health foods, health supplements and halal food status are governed through:
  • Food Act 1983.
  • Food Regulations 1985.
  • Malaysia Halal Certification Procedure.
  • Food Safety and Quality Division, MOH.
  • Drug Control Authority, MOH.