Food handlers in hot water

Food samples collected from Ramadan bazaars in the city were sent to DBKL’s Food Security and Analysis Centre (Fosac) for testing.

A TOTAL of 82 compounds and notices were issued to traders of Ramadan bazaars in Kuala Lumpur for selling contaminated food.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) collected 1,060 food samples from various bazaars operating in the city, from March 10 to 29.

Of the collected samples, 11.9% (126) were found to be contaminated with bacteria.

“Food samples collected were sent to DBKL’s Analysis Centre and Food Security (FoSAC) facility located at Pasar Borong Kuala Lumpur for testing.

“The samples were inspected for the presence of Staphylococcus, E. coli and coliform bacteria,” DBKL said in a statement.

The presence of the bacteria was indicative of unclean food preparation, inadequate cooking or unsatisfactory personal hygiene of the food handlers, said DBKL.

Compounds were issued as operators had contravened the Food Handlers (Federal Territory) By-laws 1979, where by-law 6(1) states that “no person shall sell any article of food which is not clean or contains any matter foreign to the nature of such food.”

DBKL officers inspecting stalls at a Ramadan bazaar. — Photos courtesy of DBKL

Under the by-law, errant operators could be fined up to RM2,000 for the offence.

DBKL said it also inspected 2,404 operators at the various bazaars.

“Compounds and notices were issued under the Food Handlers by-law and Licensing of Hawkers (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-Laws 2016 for not having typhoid vaccinations,” DBKL added.

The operators were advised and warned to improve and maintain the cleanliness when handling food.

“This included not having food exposed and not placing ice blocks on the floor.

“Traders were also reminded of the ‘zero single-use plastic’ initiative and to use biodegradable packaging.”

This year, DBKL said there were 64 Ramadan bazaar locations throughout the city.

Of these, two are under DBKL’s management – the Aidilfitri Bazaar at Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman (216 lots) and Ramadan Bazaar at Taman Tasik Permaisuri (160 lots).

Over 4,000 lots at the other 62 locations were managed by private operators.

The bazaars are expected to operate until April 9.