SHAH ALAM, 12 Nov: All operators of food premises have been urged to place importance on hygiene, especially in every process or step of food preparation, to prevent the increase of food poisoning outbreaks.
Operators should also ensure that workers on the premise comply with the rules and regulations set by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) such as attending food handling courses and taking the anti-typhoid jab (TY2).
The Mayor of Shah Alam, Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan, said that systematic and clean food preparation is important because many food premises in Shah Alam are frequently visited by people of various ages and races.
He said this at the ‘Chefmanship Academy’ programme with Unilever Food Solutions Malaysia, here at the MBSA Auditorium today, and was attended by over 700 owners of food premises.
“MBSA’s hope is that we want restaurant operators to help us so that from the purchase of goods to be made into food, right up to the restaurant, it is all cleaned and stored, (and) cooked. Everything is clean.
“It is reported that (food) is placed in toilets. For example, we do not want to drill fish in places that are dilapidated. We do not want this,” he told reporters after inaugurating the programme.
Also present at the programme was the Marketing Director of Unilever Food Solutions Malaysia, Quah Seng Khie, as well as members of MBSA and the MBSA Department Director.
Previously, MBSA in a joint operation, seized and issued orders for a 14 day closure on premises and vendors at Prima Dua Food Court, Section 2, Shah Alam, which failed to comply with the rules of hygiene for food premises.
In addition to the directive to close the premises, MBSA also seized chairs, tables, umbrellas, grills and stoves because it was places outside the premises.
In the meantime, Mohd Jaafar said that MBSA always help owners of food premises who wish to expand their business, but it must be in accordance with the prescribed conditions.
“We want to ask for your help. When you want to make renovations and extensions, let MBSA know. If there is a problem with the officer, let me know. Do not do it first and close up the drain. Underneath it, rats can reproduce in the trash,” he added.
