‘Eateries must be Grade B minimum for cleanliness’
KAPIT: Registered food premises in the state must achieve at least a Grade B cleanliness rating by December next year.
Ministry of Local Government and Housing Public Health Division head Dr Cheong Yaw Liang said this is part of action plans for 2018’s Local Key Result Areas focussing on clean food outlets. He said a simple teaching kit on food handling is being considered for eatery owners upon renewal of their licences.
Dr Cheong said this during the recent Focal Person ( Public Health) meeting at Sibu Rural District Council, which was attended by 24 environmental health officers and assistant environmental health officers from across the state.
Among the plans to develop green and clean markets include setting up market committees to introduce the concept of reduce, reuse and recycle; provide composting and recycling facilities; as well as installing water- harvesting markets, he said.
He also proposed a study trip to Lawas District Council as the council has provided a composting machine at its market.
On clean and functional toilets, Dr Cheong said plans include a standard operating procedure for public toilets, awareness programmes on the proper use of toilets, and a star rating system for public toilets. He added tanks at that clean toilets are a must at eateries.
“It is no point to have good food with dirty toilets as people could die from diarrhoea,” he said.
Dr Cheong also reminded about the prohibition of styrofoam food containers at all eateries and zero plastic bag campaign. Other issues deliberated included the licensing of food truck and food safety assurance programme.
“Some of the plans of action for year 2018 might not be achievable due to constraints like funding. However, we will fight for the funds to realise it. I believe we can achieve our targets if we work together as a team,” he added.
It is no point to have good food with a bad and dirty toilet as people could die because of diarrhoea. Dr Cheong Yaw Liang, Ministry of Local Government and Housing Public Health Division head