HEALTH Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry will raise the inspection level on all pork and piglets imported from China following the detection of a banned substance in pork in the Chinese province of Henan.
It had been reported that pigs in central Henan were fed an illegal additive believed to speed up muscle growth and burn fat, resulting in leaner pork.
The banned additive, clenbuterol, is considered hazardous to people and can cause nausea, headaches, limb tremors and cancer, the Chinese media reported.
Authorities said they were investigating more than 1,300 pig farms.
The police have detained more than 14 people and at least six government officials or employees have been fired or suspended, according to media reports on Friday.
Liow told Nanyang Siang Pau that Malaysia imports pork and piglets from China and there is a need to tighten inspection on these products following the incident in Henan.
He said the inspection will also include Chinese pork being sold in the market.