A total of 43,107 premises, which is equivalent to 94.8% of the 45,467 premises inspected nationwide between January and August this year, have complied with the hygiene requirements for food handling, according to Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
During the same period, a total of 1,097 eateries were ordered to close for not meeting the food preparation hygiene standards. The deputy minister also mentioned that this increase in compliance extends to food trucks as well.
Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that a combined total of 235,245 eateries underwent inspections nationwide between 2020 and August this year. Out of these, 4,767 establishments, equivalent to 2.03%, were ordered to shut down due to unhygienic conditions, based on Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.
Additionally, a total of 58,675 compound notices for various offences under the Food Regulations 1985 were issued during the same period.
In regards to food poisoning cases, the deputy minister reported that there were a total of 294 cases from January to August this year. Out of these cases, 76 incidents occurred in schools under the Education Ministry.
Lukanisman Awang Sauni expressed that efforts are being made in collaboration with the Education Ministry to monitor and provide guidance on the hygienic aspects of food preparation in educational institutions.
The Apron Walk 2023, which saw the participation of more than 1,000 individuals, took place in conjunction with the national-level World Food Safety Day 2023 and the 60th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The commission is an international body that establishes food control measures. This year’s World Food Safety Day is themed ‘Food Standards Save Lives’.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
