Food poisoning: 10 clusters detected in Sabah during fasting month, only two linked to bazaars

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded 10 food poisoning clusters involving 189 individuals throughout the fasting month, says Datuk Dr Rose Nani Mudin (pic).

The state Health director said from these cases reported between April 3 and May 1, only two clusters were related to Ramadan bazaars.

“The patients involved have mostly received treatment and recovered from food poisoning,” she said in a statement late Thursday (May 5).

She said none were hospitalised due to food poisoning.

Dr Rose said these cases were detected during ongoing integrated operations on bazaar stalls throughout the fasting month.

She said the main contributors to these cases were unhygienic food handling and food contamination.

“We also conducted activities and operations to monitor the spread of water and food borne transmittable diseases,” she said.

As for cholera cases this year, Dr Rose said Sabah only had one in the Semporna district in February.

She reminded the public to observe three steps when purchasing food - to look, smell and taste; to make sure that the food or drinks they consume are in edible condition; and to prevent food poisoning.

She urged traders and customers to also maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings and utensils or cutleries when serving food and dining.