No pig DNA found in squid rings - Fisheries Dept

 

The Department of Fisheries (DOF) did not detect pig DNA in frozen squid ring samples, contrary to recent viral social media postings.

Deputy Director-General of Fisheries (Management) Mohd Sufian Sulaiman said the department carried out a porcine analysis on the squid ring samples.

He said the analysis was done by the laboratory of the Kuala Lumpur Fisheries Biosecurity Centre.

"The DOF can stress some samples of frozen squid rings that are in high demand from local consumers are safe to be consumed and do not contain pig DNA," Mohd Sufian told Bernama yesterday.

He said the test results would be sent to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for further action.

Mohd Sufian said the biosecurity centre was the body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of seafood for consumption by Malaysian consumers.

He said apart from having the expertise to detect pig DNA, the biosecurity centre was also responsible for ensuring seafood in the market and imported into the country was free of disease and prohibited contents.

They also ensure breeders comply with international regulations.

"For seafood products that want to be exported, these farmers need to obtain a fish safety certificate and a certificate to show that the products are free of prohibited substances before they can export them," he said.

He added that the laboratory has been accredited with the MS ISO 17025.

Mohd Sufian also advised the people not to spread fake information as it could cause alarm and doubts among consumers.

Allegations that squid rings sold in the market were made from pig intestines and mixed with squid flavour had gone viral on social media recently.

- Bernama