13/11/2013 (Bernama) - The Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities has denied the presence of recycled oil in palm oil for cooking which was sold in the market.

In a statement here on Tuesday, it said this was based on the result of a scientific analysis by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) on 421 samples of palm oil packets nationwide last year, and from January to August this year.

It stated that MPOB, as the body responsible for ensuring palm oil for cooking - packed and sold in the market - was of good quality and met the standard, and always conducted monitoring, via sample-taking.

On Oct 31, several local newspapers published articles titled, 'Recycled Cooking Oil', in reference to a statement by the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association that almost 90 per cent of cooking oil in the market was reportedly produced by recycling used cooking oil.

"MPOB views seriously the issue raised and will continue to monitor to ensure no contamination of palm oil in packets are sold," said the statement.

Under the MPOB regulations, legal action could be taken against any party selling packeted palm oil which was contaminated by recycled oil or other foreign matter.

Those found guilty are liable to a fine of up to RM200,000 or jailed up to two years or both.