JOHOR BARU: State Health Department has issued an advisory urging the public to practise caution when consuming food, following two suspected food poisoning deaths in Gombak Selangor.
Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon urged the public to always practise "look, smell and taste" principles before consuming food as a precautionary measure.
He advised the public to carefully inspect their food before consumption.
He recommended looking for any change in colour or appearance, such as the presence of foam, mold or a slimy texture.
"It's also crucial to check the packaging for any sign of damage and verify the expiration date to ensure its safety."
Ling said that food emitting an unpleasant odour or tasting spoiled or sour should be completely avoided.
Food and beverage operators are also reminded not to serve dishes that had been cooked or left out for more four hours.
"Please choose clean and hygienic dining establishments when dining out and look for establishments with a local authority's food premises hygiene rating certification or recognition from the Health Ministry, such as MeSTI (Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri) or BeSS (Bersih, Selamat dan Sihat) certifications," he said today (June 13).