KUANTAN: The Pahang health authorities have issued 52 compound notices against food traders at Ramadan bazaars across the state during the first two days of the fasting month.
Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Razali Kassim said compound notices amounting to RM5,950 were issued for various offences including not wearing an apron, head covers and shoes when handling food.
"The other offences include wearing a watch, ring and bracelets while handling food at the stalls and failing to attend training for food handlers. Despite the reminders issued to food stalls operators before the fasting month began, many still fail to execute their responsibilities.
"The health authorities have to date inspected 526 stalls located at 85 Ramadan bazaars across Pahang. We have collected 24 random food samples for testing from Ramadan bazaars to ensure the dishes are free of contamination," he told reporters after opening the Pahang-level Ramadan bazaar food safety campaign at Mahkota Square here today.
Razali said two ice factories found to be in dirty conditions were ordered to be closed under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 and 11 compounds totalling RM10,300 were issued to errant ice factory operators for various offences including not wearing an apron under Section 32B of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
Meanwhile, Razali said the Ramadan bazaar food safety programme aims to increase operators' awareness on the importance of clean food preparation practices and educate the public on the importance of purchasing clean food, and dishes for the breaking of fast.
"Health department officers will be mobilised throughout the fasting month to inspect over 4,000 stalls at Ramadan bazaars in Pahang. We want traders to comply with the rules and prioritise hygiene to avoid any untoward incidents," he said.
