PUTRAJAYA: The number of food poisoning cases increased by 3.2 per cent last year, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
He said a total 516 cases were recorded last year, compared to 500 cases in 2018.
"Of the total, 150 cases took place at schools under the Education Ministry (MoE), 66 cases at schools not under MoE, 132 cases at institutions, and 18 cases at other premises.
"The ministry looks at this matter seriously and will continue with promotions and intervention programmes to enhance food safety awareness among the people," he told a press conference after the celebration of the 2020 World Food Safety Day, here.
Dr Adham said incidents related to food poisoning are also regularly associated with ready to eat food being sold at restaurants and stalls.
He said from June last year to this year, the ministry has taken 20,492 food samples, involving raw ingredients namely meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits from local markets.
"Of the total, 853 samples were found not complying with the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985.
"Among the offences include the use of chemicals such as formalin to ensure freshness of the products."
During the event, Dr Adham also launched the Food Advertising Guidelines, for the reference of food producers and sellers.
"The guidelines are in line with the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985."
Meanwhile, on another development, Dr Adham said 287 market traders tested positive for Covid-19.
He said a total of 46,749 traders at 467 markets were screened since the start of the outbreak.
"A total 36,919 samples were taken, and only 0.8 per cent or 287 tested positive," he said.