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Food poisoning incidents down 20% compared to same period last year, says Health Ministry

Food poisoning incidents down 20% compared to same period last year, says Health Ministry

The Star05-07-2025
PUTRAJAYA: The rate of food poisoning cases in Malaysia has reduced by over 20% so far this year compared to the same period in 2024, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said that only 204 food poisoning cases have been reported as of May 2025, compared to the total number of 707 cases reported in 2024,
"This encouraging trend shows a slight decrease of 23% in food poisoning cases compared to the same period last year.
"We will continue our efforts to educate the public on the steps they can take to prevent food poisoning and hope to further enhance public knowledge on food safety," he said in his speech at the Safe Food Expo here on Saturday (July 5).
He said the primary cause of food poisoning cases in the country was from bacterial infection such as E. coli and salmonella, commonly found in undercooked or unsanitary food.
Dzulkefly also said almost 2,000 more eateries have managed to obtain Clean and Safe Recognition (BeSS), increasing from 11,200 to 13,998 certified premises so far this year.
"We promise to further support this movement and other food related initiatives through policy decisions and food safety strategies that continue to be based on scientific knowledge, current technological developments and risk assessment," he said.
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