GEORGE TOWN: Food handlers who wear gloves but use the same gloved hands to handle cash are committing a health offence, says Penang Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
He said the practice posed a high risk of cross-contamination and defeated the purpose of wearing gloves in the first place.
“Wearing gloves is encouraged. But if the same gloved hands prepare food and handle money, that constitutes an offence,” Gooi said.
Banknotes, he said, pass through a multitude of hands so food sellers must be mindful about hygiene.
Gooi said 235 compound notices amounting to RM26,950 were issued after 18 inspection operations statewide up to March 1.
A total of 1,256 stalls were checked and 2,452 food handlers were screened and given health education.
“Most offences involved hygiene issues during food handling, such as not wearing aprons and poor cleanliness of utensils.
“We have warned food sellers against touching money with gloved hands and they need to be mindful of this,” he said.
Traders should opt for e-wallet or cashless transactions whenever possible, he said after inspecting the Ramadan bazaar at Prangin Mall on Tuesday.
Sixty food samples were taken for laboratory analysis, and follow-up action would be taken if any breached food safety standards.
No seizures have been made so far.
“Our aim is prevention. We don’t want to cause inconvenience to food sellers, but care is needed to ensure food safety for consumers,” Gooi said.
