KEMAMAN: A total of 180 food stall operators at the Kuala Berang Ramadan bazaar have been hauled up for not having typhoid innoculation.
Terengganu health director Dr Mohammad Omar said that among the excuses given by the errant operators were that some of their helpers were hired on an ad-hoc basis, while others assumed that one or two workers with innoculation was sufficient.
“Those who were not innoculated, thus, did not attend the food safety and cleanliness course that comes while being injected.
“Thus, they are not aware of the hygiene involved in handling food, especially raw food,” he said at a food safety and cleanliness campaign.
Dr Mohammad said his officers had inspected 130 premises at the bazaar and found 30 premises were satisfactory with 50-70 per cent marks, while the remaining obtained 75 per cent marks to be classified as above average.
“Our officers have taken samples from 16 food items that are deemed to be of the high-risk category. These include cakes that use santan (coconut milk), and cooked chicken.
“During our inspection, we did not find any stale food being sold, as publicised widely on social media.
“We will continue to conduct spot checks to ensure the food sold meets safety and hygiene standards,” he said, advising consumers to be wary when making purchases.
Dr Mohammad warned errant operators that they could be charged under the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 which imposes fines of up to RM100,000 upon conviction.