A manager at Hommaid Foods has been fined RM5,500 by Limbang Magistrate Court after pleading guilty to selling curry powder contaminated with lead. Prosecuted by the Limbang Health Division, the court heard how the curry powder was tested and discovered to contain 13.99ppm of lead, which far exceeds the 2.0ppm allowed under clause 38 (1)(e) of the Food Act (1985).

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


The presiding magistrate, Robert Pasang Alam, had heard how lead poisoning could lead to convulsions, mental illness or death. As yet there are no medical treatments for high levels of lead contamination.


The company has paid the fine and been ordered to remove all the stocks of the powder from the shelves. It is thought that the powder had been distributed nation-wide.


Prosecuting, Ng Tze Nyan commented that the discovery of the lead is “a criminal act of deception, which is purely aimed to reap profit at the mercy of the health of consumers and the general public.”


“The company as such acted recklessly and taken no duty of care to the public,” he added.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact