SPEECH BY YB DATO’ DR. CHUA SOI LEK, MINISTER OF HEALTH
MALAYSIA, AT THE 33RD SESSION OF THE CODEX COMMITTEE ON FOOD
LABELING, HOTEL SUTERA HARBOUR, KOTA KINABALU, SABAH,
9 MAY 2005 AT 8.30 AM
Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
1.
First and foremost, let me bid all of you a warm welcome, “Selamat
Datang” to Malaysia. On behalf of the Government of Malaysia and the Ministry
of Health Malaysia, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Canada, the host
government for Codex Committee on Food Labeling, and FAO/WHO for giving
Malaysia the honor of hosting this 33rd Session of the Codex Committee on Food
Labeling. The fact that this is the first time such a session is being held outside of
Canada makes us even more proud of it. The large number of delegates and
countries participating in this meeting is heartening, indicating the high degree of
commitment and priority given by countries to food labeling.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
2.
Over the last decade, the food industry has changed from a production-
driven industry to a consumer-driven industry. Changes in consumer tastes and
preferences combined with rising affluence have played a major role in
expanding food production and food imports. A rising level of economic
interdependence and cultural exchanges between East and West have also
resulted in the gradual assimilation of tastes and preferences. This has led to the
influx of a wide variety of foods in the market, giving consumers the luxury of a
wide range of choices. Unfortunately, this also exposes consumers to the risk of
making unwise food decisions.
3.
Due to improved socio-economic status, we are already seeing a
transition in the disease pattern from infectious diseases to “modern” diseases
linked closely with lifestyle. Malaysia has not been spared from this
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phenomenon. For example, cardiovascular diseases today top the list of killers in
our hospitals, accounting for more than 8,000 deaths a year. And, as you are
aware, one of the major risk factors associated with these diseases is the diet.
Scientific investigations have convincingly demonstrated important linkages
between dietary habits and the prevalence of coronary heart disease,
hypertension, obesity, diabetes and some cancers.
4.
As we all know, most diet-related problems develop gradually, and often
they do not show immediate or dramatic symptoms. Instead, risk factor reduction
and disease prevention through dietary means require individuals to make long
term and often arduous changes in their habitual food intakes.
5.
Fortunately, consumers today, more than ever before, have the
opportunity to improve their health and the health of their families. The way they
take care of themselves – whether they exercise, what they eat, and whether
they abuse themselves with tobacco smoke and alcohol – each of these activities
can affect their health and each is within their individual control.
6.
But the average individual has little control over the availability and the
accuracy of information on the labels of food products – information that will allow
him to choose his food based on how they are produced, the ingredients used,
the nutrient contents, and the presence of potential allergens. There is also a
social and religious perspective to this issue, as certain foods with certain
ingredients are taboo to certain groups.
7.
This is where the government and the Codex come in to ensure that the
information which people need to make decisions is available and reliable. There
should be no compromise on the principle that consumers should have access to
food labels that are true, substantiated and not misleading. And I believe that all
regulatory agencies will subscribe and are committed to this principle.
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8.
In this regard, the Ministry of Health Malaysia has already gazetted its
Regulations on Nutrition Labeling and Claims on 31 March 2003. Basically the
Regulations cover two main areas.
9.
Firstly, the Regulations require the food industry to label and declare the
energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat contents of certain food groups commonly
consumed by Malaysians, such as cereals, milk and bread. Declaration on
vitamins and minerals may also be included if they are present in significant
amounts. The amount of cholesterol may also be declared.
10.
Secondly, the regulations lay down some provisions pertaining to nutrient
claims. For example, if a claim is made regarding fatty acids, the amounts of
saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and trans-fatty acids must be
declared. Comparative claims with words such as “reduced”, “extra” and
“increased” can only be made if the food being compared are different versions
of the same food or similar foods. Claims that describe the physiological role of a
particular nutrient in growth, development and normal body functions, for
example that calcium aids in the development of strong bones and teeth are
allowed. But “health claims”, such as “calcium prevents osteoporosis”, are not
allowed. In short, food manufacturers may only make claims based on the
provisions in the Regulations. And fraudulent and unsubstantiated claims are
certainly prohibited.
Ladies and gentlemen,
11.
It is my belief that consumers must have a good information base in order
to make long lasting dietary changes. This can be imparted through an effective
educational program. However, information alone cannot produce behavioral
changes unless adequate quantities of the right foods, properly labeled, are also
available for consumers.
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12.
At the same time, modifying food standards such as reducing the levels of
ingredients that are thought to be undesirable can also be used to promote a
healthier population. Food standards can also be used to encourage the
consumption of more healthy ingredients, either by mandating their presence or
by providing labeling rules that permit the use of standardized terms or names.
These approaches, I am sure, will to a large extent help to change consumer
dietary patterns. It will also provide leeway for product innovations in the form of
new and healthier food products.
This is where the challenge lies – to combine effectively education,
13.
adequate and reliable food labeling and regulation of food standards – to
ultimately change and sustain consumer dietary pattern in a positive direction.
We need to look decades ahead and make a commitment now for the health of
our current and future generations throughout the globe.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
14.
With regard to food labels, their usefulness should not be underestimated,
as they have something to offer everyone. For example, they can be useful for:

consumers wanting to avoid or reduce certain elements like fat or sodium
in their diet;

consumers trying to maximize other elements like fibers;

patients with heart problems monitoring their sodium and potassium
intake;

consumers wishing to compare two similar products for their nutrient
composition, and

15.
consumers on the lookout for certain food allergens.
I am well aware that changes in food labeling to provide more information
will impose additional costs to producers, manufacturers, retailers and ultimately
consumers. However, this added costs must be compared to the savings through
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improved health that consumers are expected to realize by having and using this
information. In this context, I fervently believe that potential long-term savings in
health costs and gains in longevity would outweigh the added cost.
16.
In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, I hope that delegates would be able
to interact and get the best out of this meeting. I would also encourage you to
spend some time to see and explore our beautiful country, known for its rich
diversity of cultures and cuisine; and take home pleasant memories of your stay
in Malaysia. On that note, it gives me great pleasure to officially open this “33 rd
Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labeling”. Thank you.
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