Zero tariffs, higher risks? Fomca urges vigilance as US poultry, farm imports enter Malaysia

Sinar Daily

a day ago

SHAH ALAM - As over 11,000 American products including poultry, dairy and fruits begin entering Malaysia with zero or reduced tariff rates starting Aug 8, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has raised concerns over food safety, regulatory enforcement and the long-term impact on local agriculture.
With public unease growing over the United States (US) poultry imports and their acceptance in Malaysia, Fomca chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah has called for a balanced approach to trade that prioritised consumer health and national food security.
He said it was true that the European Union (EU) has long banned imports of US poultry treated with chlorine or other antimicrobial rinses.
The ban, he said was not due to the method being inherently unsafe, but because EU regulations emphasised the 'farm-to-fork' principle.
'It ensures food safety throughout the production process rather than relying on chemical washes at the end," he told Sinar Daily.
He said this in response to claims made online that US poultry was banned in the EU over chlorine washes and public concerns about other safety standards such as chemical rinses, hormones and genetically modified organisms (GMO).
On social media, consumers raised concerns about whether food safety was being compromised following the trade deal that eliminated or reduced tariffs on US agricultural goods.
Saravanan said while the removal of tariffs was expected to reduce prices and expand market choices, it does not automatically mean all products are accepted without checks. With over 11,000 US products entering Malaysia tariff-free from Aug 8, Fomca has raised concerns over food safety, enforcement and the long-term impact on local agriculture. - Photo: CANVA
'The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Health Ministry have authority to set conditions, including microbiological testing, residue limits and compliance with our Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985.
'Beyond halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), we should insist on independent verification for health-related standards covering contaminants, hormone levels, pesticide residues and chemical treatments before these products enter our market,' he said.
Saravanan also acknowledged that Malaysia's food safety regulations were robust on paper but less stringent in certain areas compared to the EU or Japan.
'EU enforces a complete ban on chlorine-washed poultry, whereas Malaysia does not, instead relying on risk assessments by DVS for approvals.
'Similarly, while the EU and Japan prohibit the use of growth-promoting hormones in beef and dairy products, Malaysia adheres to Codex Alimentarius limits, though actual enforcement depends on sampling during import.
'For genetically modified products, the EU imposes strict labelling and traceability requirements, whereas Malaysia mandates labelling under its Food Regulations, but actual compliance remains inconsistent,' he said.
Saravanan said Malaysia's existing framework was adequate, provided it is enforced effectively. The real issue, he said, lies in the inconsistent inspections, lack of transparency in test outcomes and limited surveillance capacity, especially as the volume of imported goods rises.
He also cautioned that an influx of cheaper US products could strain inspection systems and place local producers at a disadvantage.
'Zero tariffs can create a market flood of cheaper products, especially if large US suppliers undercut local producers. This poses two main risks.
'First, consumer safety. Lower prices may encourage mass imports without proportionate increase in inspection capacity.
'Second, environmental standards. US farming practices may differ in environmental impact—larger carbon footprint, use of intensive farming methods—raising sustainability concerns,' he said.
To mitigate this, he proposed three solutions: Strengthening border inspection protocols (chemical residue, microbiological testing).
Randomised post-market surveillance in retail outlets.
Public disclosure of test outcomes to build trust.
Saravanan also highlighted the economic vulnerability of Malaysia's local farmers, who were already burdened by high feed costs and ongoing competition from imports.
'The influx of tariff-free US produce and meat could put significant pressure on local farmers, especially poultry and dairy producers who already face high feed costs and competition from imports like Brazilian chicken.
'While consumers may benefit from lower prices in the short term, over-reliance on imports risks weakening domestic production capacity; contrary to our food security goals,' he said.
To protect local agriculture, he urged the government to: Provide support and subsidies to local farmers to upgrade standards and efficiency.
Promote local branding and quality differentiation (freshness, farm-to-table appeal).
Consider tariff safeguards if imports seriously harm local producers.
Although the tariff-free policy promises economic benefits through greater trade, Fomca cautioned against a rush to open the floodgates without enforcing strong food safety and public health protections.
'Tariff reductions can benefit consumers if managed responsibly. But Malaysia must maintain stringent food safety protocols, transparent enforcement and a balanced trade approach that protects both consumer health and domestic agriculture,' he emphasised.
On Aug 1, it was reported that under the new bilateral agreement, more than 11,000 American goods ranging from fresh produce to poultry and dairy are now eligible for zero or reduced tariffs in Malaysia starting Aug 8.