ALOR SETAR: A food establishment in Sungai Petani has been ordered to close following reports of maggots found in one of their egg dishes.
In a statement on Wednesday (Oct 16), State Health Director Dr Ismuni Bohari confirmed that the eatery received a temporary closure order due to violations of the Food Act 1983.
The action was taken after a complaint regarding hygiene issues at the premises went viral on social media. Checks were carried out by the Kedah Health Department through the Kuala Muda District Health Office.
"We received a complaint through social media on Tuesday (Oct 15) about the discovery of maggots in a salted egg dish. The complaint was verified through the viral post," Dr Ismuni said.
The investigation revealed that the eatery failed to meet the hygiene standards set by the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 and the Food Act 1983.
As a result, a compound notice under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 was issued, along with a Premises Closure Order under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983. The premises will remain closed until all cleaning instructions and corrective measures are completed as directed by the Kuala Muda District Health Office.
"We will re-inspect the premises after the owner complies with all the cleaning directives. Our department will continue monitoring to ensure that all food establishments adhere to the regulations to prevent such incidents from recurring," Dr Ismuni added.
The viral complaint included a 13-second video posted on social media, where a woman showed maggots emerging from a salted egg she was eating. The video, which has garnered over 14,000 views, shows tiny maggots crawling on the table. The woman also mentioned that while the server removed the dish and waived her bill, no apology was offered.
