GEORGE TOWN: Dozens of cockroaches found inside food storage racks are among the reasons why several stalls at the New World Park food court at Jalan Burma here were slapped with a 14-day closure notice.
Other premises were found to have food handlers using dirty towels and greasy, blackened cooking equipment.
Some vendors even fled their stalls without turning off their stoves upon seeing enforcement officers.
Northeast District Health Office Food Safety and Quality operations officer Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Halim said two of the 28 inspected premises were shut down for 14 days under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.
Additionally, 21 notices were issued for various violations.
Violations included food handlers lacking typhoid vaccinations and food handler training, as well as the storage of expired and unsanitary food items.
Concerns about cross-contamination were raised due to improper food storage in refrigerators.
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living enforcement officers also checked and advised stall owners on the storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.
Firdaus said that a total of RM6,900 in fines was imposed.