Food Act 1983 (Act 281) & Regulations [As At 5th February 2023]

Food Act 1983(Act 281) & Regulations

Detailed Contents Of Food Act 1983 (Act 281) :

The Food Act 1983 (Act 281) is a Malaysian law that regulates the safety and quality of food products. The Act was enacted to ensure that food products sold in Malaysia are safe, wholesome, and fit for human consumption. The Act applies to all food products sold in Malaysia, whether they are imported or locally produced.

The following are the key provisions of the Food Act 1983:

1. Prohibition on the sale of unsafe food products: The Act prohibits the sale of food products that are unsafe, unsanitary, or unfit for human consumption. This includes food products that are contaminated with harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, or chemicals.

2. Registration of food premises: The Act requires all food premises, including restaurants, food processing plants, and food storage facilities, to be registered with the Ministry of Health. This ensures that these premises meet the required health and safety standards.

3. Inspection of food premises: The Act authorizes health inspectors to inspect food premises to ensure that they comply with the health and safety standards. Inspectors have the power to seize and detain any food products that are found to be unsafe or unsanitary.

4. Prohibition on false or misleading labeling: The Act prohibits the labeling of food products with false or misleading information. This includes claims about the nutritional value or health benefits of a product that are not supported by scientific evidence.

5. Food additives: The Act regulates the use of food additives in food products. Only approved additives are allowed to be used in food products, and the amount used must be within the permissible limits.

6. Food importation: The Act regulates the importation of food products into Malaysia. Imported food products must meet the same health and safety standards as locally produced products.

7. Offenses and penalties: The Act prescribes penalties for offenses such as the sale of unsafe food products, the failure to register food premises, and the use of unapproved food additives. The penalties range from fines to imprisonment.

The Food Act 1983 is supplemented by several regulations, including:

1. Food Regulations 1985: These regulations prescribe specific requirements for food products, including the permissible levels of contaminants and food additives.

2. Food Hygiene Regulations 2009: These regulations prescribe the hygiene requirements for food premises, including the cleaning and sanitation of equipment and facilities.

3. Food (Amendment) Regulations 2020: These regulations introduce several amendments to the Food Regulations 1985, including the expansion of the definition of food additives and the introduction of new maximum limits for certain contaminants in food products.

In conclusion, the Food Act 1983 and its regulations are aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of food products in Malaysia. The Act and its regulations provide a comprehensive framework for regulating the food industry, from the production and importation of food products to their sale and consumption.

Food Act 1983(Act 281) Contains: