Stringent standards expected at Ramadan bazaars
KUCHING: Food stall operators at the forthcoming Ramadan Bazaar can be slapped with compound notices as the state Health Department is set to come down hard on those not observing food safety and hygienic practices.
The department’s senior deputy director ( Food Safety and Quality) Mohammad Jefri Crossley warned that they will act more stringently to enforce the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 this year.
“We will take action including issue compound notices against errant operators who fail to meet food safety and personal hygiene criteria at the upcoming Ramadan bazaar,” he told a press conference at the department’s office at Jalan Diplomatik here Thursday.
“In previous years, we just conducted educational and awareness programmes,” he recalled.
Jefri said compounds will be issued against 32 offences under the regulations and, depending on the severity of the offence, compound imposed will range from RM300 to a maximum of RM10,000.
The offences include leaving food uncovered or unwrapped, not wearing an apron, not wearing cook’s hat or protective gear to cover hair, as well as not wearing gloves when handling food.
“We want to make sure there will be no food poisoning cases for the smooth operation of all Ramadan bazaars,” he added.
Earlier the state Health Department met with relevant agencies and authorities including Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority ( Fama), Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (Jais), Information Department, local authorities and District Health Offices to coordinate monitoring and inspections at Ramadan bazaar.
“This meeting demonstrates the cooperation among enforcement agencies monitoring this year’s Ramadan Bazaar,” he said.
“Food safety and hygiene talks as well as promotion of the Food Act 1983 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 among operators will be carried out soon,” he added. Other activities to be conducted are inspections of premises supplying ice, chicken/meat, confectionery as well as food stalls and hawkers.
Jefri disclosed that among the outcomes from the meeting was that it was compulsory for all food operators and traders to attend food handling training and undergo health examinations.
“This is one of the requirements provided under the law and regulations, and failure to meet the criteria can be compounded. This criteria has been extended to all applicants interested to trade at Ramadan bazaars,” he said.
Results from food samplings at Ramadan bazaars across Sarawak in 2016 showed that food such as umai, barbequed fish, sugarcane juice and beverage containing coconut milk like ‘cendol’ must be handled properly to prevent spoilage and bacterial contamination.
“This matter must be stressed during talks to be held soon as well as more frequent inspections of food operators,” he added.