All eateries must comply with good hygiene practices, says Health Ministry

PETALING JAYA: All eateries must comply with good hygiene practices as outlined under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 at all times, says the Health Ministry.

"Operators must also ensure their staff are trained at Health Ministry-approved food handler training schools and have received their anti-typhoid vaccinations," it said.

In a statement on Wednesday (Oct 9), the ministry then added that recent incidents that went viral on social media have prompted the ministry to carry out regular checks at food outlets for adherence to the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 and the Food Act 1983.

The ministry advises the public to be discerning when choosing eateries, ensuring that food is safe and clean. Consumers should observe and check the food they eat carefully to prevent food poisoning," it added.

It then said that the ministry's BeBAS initiative - focusing on premise hygiene and anti-smoking law compliance - has been conducted throughout the year.

The ministry then added that the programme is a partnership between restaurant operators and various entities, based on community empowerment to enforce adherence to these regulations.

"BeBAS walkabouts have already been completed in eight locations and will extend to all states," the ministry said.

It said that restaurants that meet cleanliness and safety standards are recognised by the ministry through the BeBAS initiative, reinforcing customer trust in dining establishments' hygiene and safety.

It added that consumers who have concerns regarding food safety or have observed any related incidents can contact their district health office or state health department.

The ministry also said that these consumers could also visit the Public Complaints Management System or the ministry’s Food Safety and Quality Programme (PKKM) websites.