Eight food samples from Ramadhan bazaars in Terengganu found to be contaminated
NORHASPIDA YATIM
KUALA TERENGGANU - Analysis results on eight of 69 food samples obtained from bazaars throughout Terengganu have been found contaminated with bacteria.
Terengganu Hospitality, Health, and Environment Exco Datuk Dr Alias Razak said the microbiology analysis was conducted by the Terengganu state Health Department (JKNT) Food Safety and Quality Department.
"Until April 14, 69 food samples were taken, of which 61 (88.4 per cent) represented microbiology analysis and the other eight (11.6 per cent) were for chemical analysis.
"Of the 61 microbiology analyses, eight food samples (13.11 per cent) were found contaminated with bacteria," he told reporters in a press conference here on Sunday.
He said from the 3,431 inspections conducted at 57 Ramadhan bazaars involving 4,102 vendors, a total of 222 compound notices amounting to RM24,800 were issued by JKN.
He explained the compounds were released under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 and the Food Act 1983 (Act 281).
"The most violations detected were 113 notices for not wearing aprons or clean clothing, not caring for personal hygiene (49 notices); not following appropriate food handling training (35 notices); hiring food handlers without training or anti-typhoid injections (14 notices); and others (11 notices).
"Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) Authorities released 105 compounds for offences under Section 107(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 for no food handling cards as well as nine compounds under the MBKT Hawker Bylaws 1980 for operating without a licence," he said.
Alias said 3,416 premises had reached a cleanliness level of eight per cent while 15 premises were less clean, with an achievement of only 60 to 79 per cent.
"Although this year there have yet to be cases of food poisoning as in the previous year, we hope bazaar goers are vigilant when choosing food.
"Choose food that you are confident is clean from its preparation, premise cleanliness, and the food itself," he said.
