Nine food establishments in Machang have been instructed to cease operations for a period of 14 days due to their failure to meet the cleanliness standards outlined in Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.
The director of the Kelantan State Health Department, Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin, announced the closure order after an operation conducted by 62 enforcement officers from the department’s Food Safety and Quality Division.
Dr Zaini stated, “A total of 56 premises, including restaurants and eateries, were inspected during the operation. As a result, 86 compound notices were issued to owners and food handlers for violating the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.”
The majority of the violations were related to the clothing worn by food preparers, resulting in 63 notices being issued. Additionally, 23 offenses were recorded for failure to display registration certificates, non-compliance with general duties, improper hygiene practices of food handlers, staff members with poor health conditions, and overall premises cleanliness.
Dr Zaini highlighted that owners who fail to comply with the order to close their premises could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine, or both.
The department stressed that it is the responsibility of food outlet owners and operators to consistently maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in their establishments.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
