Azlan Othman
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) is cautioning Muslims after non-halal ingredients were found in mooncakes and biscuits – under the October Fifth brand – sold at several supermarkets around the country.
Acting on public complaints, the Syariah Affairs Department through the Halal Food Control Division inspected the product and determined it contained wine and lard as ingredients.
To protect the welfare of the Muslim community, the Syariah Affairs Department has instructed the supermarket to immediately separate all products by Olson Food Company (Jiangmen) Ltd to the non-halal section. All importers, supermarkets and shops in the Sultanate are also advised to immediately segregate such products, if sold at their premises.
The MoRA reminded owners, managers, operators, retailers, suppliers and importers to be mindful and to ensure non-halal items are not sold in a shared space with halal products.
The ministry also expressed gratitude for the tip-off, adding that related information can be forwarded to the Syariah Affairs Department through the Halal Food Control Division at 7166222 (hotline) or by contacting the Halal Food Control Division office in each district.
