Ampang Jaya eateries slapped with compounds in food safety ops
TWENTY-THREE compounds were issued to food operators in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, for failing to adhere to food safety standards.
The operators were found to have discharged effluents improperly, employed food handlers who had not received typhoid vaccinations, neglected basic hygiene practices and failed to implement pest control measures within their premises.
The operation by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) involved 21 food premises in Taman Muda.
'Toilets at the inspected premises were also reviewed and rated during the same operation.
'Seventeen toilets received four- and five-star ratings, while two compounds were issued to operators for failing to maintain toilet cleanliness,' MPAJ said in a media statement.
The local authority said this was in line with requirements from Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) which stipulated that all public toilets at food premises must achieve a 4- or 5-star rating and meet the Clean, Attractive and Fragrant (BMW) standard before their operating licences could be renewed.
'During the operation, an Aedes-free backlane operation was also carried out, where officers identified four mosquito-breeding sites,' MPAJ stated.
'Three compounds were issued under Section 74 of Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) to owners of premises with unhygienic conditions.
'They included buildings where containers with stagnant water were found, each having the potential to facilitate mosquito breeding,' the statement said.
The local council added that enforcement action was also carried out at a scrap yard, resulting in the seizure of items.
Separately, inspections to ensure proper pest control were carried out at several locations, including grocery stores, supermarkets and fruit shops.
One compound was issued under Section 34(1) of MPAJ Food Establishments 2007 by-law to an operator for failing to take necessary steps to keep the premises free of pests.
'The operation is part of MPAJ's efforts to prioritise cleanliness, particularly in how food is handled at premises within our jurisdiction.
'All premises owners, especially those involved in preparing, handling or selling food, must comply with the regulations to ensure the food is clean, safe and does not endanger public health,' said the local council.
MPAJ said regular monitoring and inspections would be conducted to ensure food premises upheld the highest standards of cleanliness.
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