IPOH: Over RM9,000 worth of damaged, expired and spoiled food products have been seized during a city council operation at retail shops and supermarkets here.
Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said the operation was carried out by the council’s Food Safety and Quality Unit.
Nine premises were inspected under “Ops Cahaya” in conjunction with Deepavali, he said, adding that 748 items were seized with a total value of RM9,206.20.
“A total of 15 compound notices amounting to RM5,500 were issued under the Food Establishment Licensing by-law (Ipoh City Council) 2017.
“This sort of operation is carried out throughout the year especially close to festivities and celebrations,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 22).
Rumaizi added as of October this year, food inspection operations have been carried out at 83 food premises, with 3,848 food products worth RM29,165.86 confiscated.
He said the objective of the operation is to raise awareness on the importance of cleanliness in food premises, ensure the cleanliness and safety of food, and monitor the safety of food products sold.
"It focuses on food products that are packed without labels describing the type of food, name and address of the producer, expiration date, and nutritional information.
“We also check for canned food that is damaged, dented or rusty.
“Food not suitable for consumption including vegetables and fruits that are wilted and spoiled are also checked,” he said.
Rumaizi said the council aims to ensure that every citizen's right to safe and nutritious food is protected.
