Two online shopping platforms ordered to remove gummy candy ads

MASRY CHE ANI TheSunpix

LANGKAWI: The Health Ministry has directed two online shopping platforms to remove ads promoting eyeball-shaped gummy candies, following the alleged choking death of a boy in Penang.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that the ministry identified 86 advertisement links for the product after profiling the platforms. He added that the ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division instructed the platforms to take down the ads on Sunday (Feb 23). The ministry had previously banned the sale of the gummy candies both online and in the domestic market, stating that investigations revealed the product violated labeling regulations under the Food Act 1983 and the Food Regulations 1985.

The tragic incident occurred on Thursday when a 10-year-old boy passed away at the Penang Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, after allegedly choking on the candy on Feb 18. The Year Four student from Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Dua is believed to have purchased the candy outside the school before attending his 2:30 p.m. class.

"We've also instructed district health offices nationwide to carry out enforcement at physical stores and confiscate any remaining products still being sold," he added.

He spoke to reporters on Sunday after launching the First 1,000 Days Of Life: Langkawi Longitudinal Study and Digitalisation using Cloud-Based Clinic Management System in Langkawi.

Source: Bernama, NST Online