THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed deep concern over the spate of food poisoning cases which have occurred nationwide.
MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said it is clear from these reports that not enough attention is being given to hygiene and food handling and this alone can cause an increase of hospital admissions.
Citing Statista Research Department, Dr Azizan said in 2022 there were approximately 14,293 food poisoning cases caused by food- and water-borne diseases reported in Malaysia.
“According to Health Ministry data, cases are now more common, with 51 incidents recorded for every 100,000 people in Malaysia last year (2023) – more than double the rate of 18.4 incidents in 2021,” she remarked in a statement on Sunday (July 28).
“One particular area we are most concerned about is food handling in the country. Our local cuisine is ranked among the best in the world but the same can’t be said about our standards of food hygiene, in particular our street food outlets.”
Dr Azizan said it is not uncommon to see no separation in the handling of food and money, and that in many outlets, food is being prepared in unhygienic conditions while many food stalls and caterers are known to be operating illegally.
“The list goes on but what are the authorities doing about it? Occasionally, a restaurant is closed by the authorities and the owner is slapped with a fine. But we see no improvement. Everyone closes one eye and carries on,” she lamented.
“Stopping someone, especially single mums or even single dads, from earning an income from selling food might be cruel but we should insist on all food sellers getting a license with the necessary certification from the authorities.
“All food operators need to be properly educated on the standards of food hygiene. Premises where food is being prepared should be regularly inspected by the authorities.”
Dr Azizan called for the Health Ministry to prioritise looking into these issues as food poisoning can have fatal consequences, adding that Malaysians should also do their part in reporting unhygienic practices in the food industry to the authorities.
“Under the law, all food premises as defined in the regulations must comply with the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009,” she remarked.
“Food handlers training is compulsory for all food handlers. They must also undergo a medical examination and receive typhoid vaccination which is compulsory for all those involved in the food and beverage industry.”
She said via digitalisation, the ministry should also monitor and send reminders to food and beverage sellers concerning their typhoid vaccination status.
“Lastly, we urge the government to audit all typhoid vaccinations given to food handlers as there are unregistered typhoid vaccines in the market being used by unscrupulous parties,” she added.
“Several raids have been conducted by the authorities however the issue has persisted despite enforcement action being taken.” – July 28, 2024
Main picture credit: The Star
