Ice-processing premises must have licence from Ministry of Health
All ice factories must obtain an ice-processing licence from the Ministry of Health (MoH) as stipulated under Regulations 394A (4) of the Food Regulations 1985.
Mukah health officer Dr Huzaimah Husin said iceprocessing premises are also subject to certain provisions listed in the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, including preparing and holding a documented food safety assurance programme.
“The premises must comply with Schedule 25A of the Food Regulations 1985 standard for water compliance in terms of physical, chemical, bacteriological and also radioactive,” she said in a statement.
For ice factories that are yet to have the licence, Huzaimah said they can apply via https://fosim. moh.gov.my, with the processing fee RM30 per application.
Before the licence is issued, she said verification of the premises, source of water and ice sampling would be carried out to ensure the ice produced is safe.
“The validity of the licence is one year from the date it is issued,” she added.
However, she said licence holders are required to carry out periodic monitoring themselves on the aspect of safety and quality of water and ice at least once a year.
“Action will be taken against the licence holder and their licence may be suspended if the factory fails to carry out selfmonitoring.”
Meanwhile, Huzaimah said application for renewal of the MoH ice licence must be submitted at least three to six months before the licence expires.
On a related matter, she reminded ice cream shop owners that they could be fined up to RM10,000 or jailed for up to two years if they operate without a licence from the ministry.
She said complaints and enquiries can be made at the nearest MoH office or through official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/bkkmhg).