Parasitic Worms Found In Over 16 Tonnes Of Canned Sardines Imported From Singapore
The canned sardines are worth approximately RM84,000.
By Sadho Ram — 26 Apr 2024, 11:59 AM
Authorities in Johor Bahru have found parasitic worms in a shipment of over 16 tonnes of canned sardines imported from Singapore
Officers from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) officers seized the shipment at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex on 27 March, reported the New Straits Times.
The seizure was made after checks revealed the presence of Anisakis spp., a type of parasitic worm that, if consumed, can cause an infection with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
The total weight of the canned sardines, which originated from China and imported by Singapore, was reported at 16,320kg, with a value of worth RM83,879.84, reported the English daily.
The lorry transporting the canned sardines was stopped after its driver failed to produce import permits.
Image via New Straits TimesAccording to Johor MAQIS director Edie Putra Md Yusof, laboratory analysis of several samples confirmed the presence of parasitic worms
"Further checks by Johor MAQIS enforcement officers confirmed that the remainder seized batches of the canned sardines were also contaminated," Malay Mail quoted him as saying yesterday, 25 April.
Edie Putra said strict action would be taken under Section 14(a) of the MAQIS Act 2011, which carries penalties of up to RM100,000 in fines, a jail term of up to six years, or both.
The Anisakis spp. worms cause anisakiasis disease in humans.
The disease normally occurs when humans eat raw or undercooked seafood such as fish or squid, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A close-up view of the parasitic worms found in samples of canned sardines seized by MAQIS in Johor Baru.
Image via MAQIS