KOTA KINABALU: A bakery here has lost its halal certification after traces of porcine DNA were found in its mooncakes.

       Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) secretary Ramlan Awang Ali said as such, Port View Euro Bakery Sdn Bhd's mooncakes did not comply with syariah requirements.

       He said that testing by the Chemistry Department as well as the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry found porcine DNA in a sample of the moon cake. The report of the test was received on Nov 1.

       The company was immediately barred from using the "Halal Malaysia" logo within or outside their premises or any of their products, he said.

       "MUIS has taken action by freezing the company's renewal application and declaration in the MyeHalal system and withdrawing its Malaysian Halal Certification," he added.

       He said the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) carried out an investigation with the Sabah Health Department and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on Sept 23.

       This was after a complaint lodged against the company on Sept 16.

       Ramlan said that MUIS received a full report on Nov 16 and asked Port View Euro Bakery management for more information on Nov 19.

       "MUIS found that the company's Halal Certificate had expired on May 15, 2021 and the company admitted an error had occurred.

       MUIS also advised all parties who use Malaysian halal certificates and logos to safeguard the interests and sensitivities of the Muslim community and ensure that food, products or consumer goods produced are always Shariah compliant.