Pork DNA found in two halal Cadbury Malaysia chocolate batches
The porcine DNA was discovered during a periodic inspection for non-halal ingredients by the Malaysian Ministry of Health, reports the Nikkei Asian Review.
Cadbury Malaysia certifies its products as halal, as pork is prohibited in the Islamic diet. Around 60% of the country’s population is Muslim.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Cadbury Malaysia said, “We were informed that Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut (with batch number 200813M01H I2 that expires on Nov 13, 2014) and Cadbury Dairy Milk Roast Almond (with batch number 221013N01R I1 that expires on Jan 15, 2015) analyzed by Ministry of Health tested positive for traces of porcine DNA. We have taken immediate action by recalling the products from the above two batches.
“No other Cadbury chocolates are affected by this test.
“We are undertaking a full review of the supply chain to ensure all quality standards continue to be met.”
Cadbury brand chocolate products made in the country are halal-certified by JAKIM, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia. This includes the locations and raw materials used in production of the products.
Cadbury Malaysia continues, “We understand how important halal is to the Muslim community. It is also of the highest importance to us here at Cadbury.
“Since our first learning of this, we have been actively engaging with the concerned authorities to investigate the issue with the highest urgency.”
Cadbury has met with JAKIM, and said the department has sent both product samples, as well as other products from the same processing line in the plant, to an official halal-certified laboratory for further testing.
In a statement, Mondelez International said, "JAKIM has urged the public not to speculate on the nature of the issue but allow the right authoritative body to conduct further investigations."
Customers on social media have called for the company to apologize, while others suggest a boycott. “We, the Muslim consumers, have no time to check the batch numbers. No more Cadbury for me after this,” said one consumer. “Just a recall. No apology?” asked another, while the comment “no more Cadbury” was repeated.
