PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): The nitrate level in swiftlet bird's nest will be set next month to ensure that the product can be exported overseas, especially to China, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
"Although we already have a standard, this will be a more comprehensive as it includes nitrate content of bird's nest from caves, houses and others.
"We will set the level and notify the Chinese soon," he told reporters after talks with bird's nest producers at his office Thursday. Confusion arose after the Chinese government announced that bird's nest from Malaysia contained high nitrate level harmful to health.
They decided that Malaysian bird's nest could only be exported to China if the nitrate content was zero.
Liow said the people were confused over nitrate content in bird's nest fearing it was harmful while nitrate was also contained in meat products.
"With permissible nitrate level, we are sure that it is safe. But if it (nitrate) is over the level, we will stop the sale of bird'snest," he added.
After the nitrate level has been set, guidelines will be submitted to Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry for enforcement purposes. - BERNAMA
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