Malaysia's Fisheries Department says no pig DNA found in squid rings

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Fisheries Department (DOF) confirmed that no pig DNA was detected in frozen squid ring samples, after social media posts claiming that squid rings sold in the market were made from pig intestines went viral recently. 

Deputy director-general of Fisheries (Management) Mohd Sufian Sulaiman said on Wednesday (Mar 16) that the department had carried out a porcine analysis on samples of squid rings at the Kuala Lumpur Fisheries Biosecurity Centre's laboratory. 

"The DOF can stress that 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," Mr Mohd Sufian. 

The test results will be sent to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for further action, he added. 

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

Mr Mohd Sufian stressed that the biosecurity centre is the body responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of seafood consumed by Malaysians.

The centre makes sure that seafood in the market and those imported into Malaysia are free of disease and prohibited contents, he said, adding that it also ensures 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 free of prohibited substances before they can export the product," he said. 

Mr Mohd Sufian advised members of the public not to spread fake information as it could cause alarm and doubts among consumers.