KLANG: Food and drinks vendors at Ramadan bazaars must adhere to food safety standards, says Selangor health director Datuk Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman.
The compliance is necessary to prevent incidents of food poisoning which can adversely impact health in the absence of immediate treatment, he noted.
“The Selangor Health Department will increase surveillance and inspections on vendors to ensure the food sold at Ramadan bazaars is safe for consumption,’’ said Dr Sha’ari in a statement on Wednesday (April 6).
He added that the surveillance and inspection exercise will be conducted together with the local councils periodically.
His department, said Dr Sha’ari, will test samples of food, especially those at high-risk of contamination such as food that contains coconut milk, meat and eggs among others, to protect public safety.
He urged Ramadan bazaar vendors to make sure their food handlers have attended food handling training and received anti-typhoid jabs.
“Vendors are also recommended to ensure their food supply is safe and personal hygiene and the cleanliness of the location is taken care of to prevent risk of contamination,’’ he said.
Dr Sha’ari also reminded vendors to sell only food that is prepared daily and not unsold food from the previous day which has been reheated for resale.
As for drinks, he added, vendors are requested to ensure their ice supply comes from ice factories licensed by the Health Ministry.
“The handling of ice and water must be clean and safe and free from chemical, physical and microbiological risks.
“Water storage containers must always be clean and not leaking,’’ he said.
Dr Sha’ari advised those frequenting the Ramadan bazaars to buy only foodstuff that is clean and safe.
According to him, it is estimated that there will be more vendors at Ramadan bazaars this year seeing that the festive food market has been given the green light to fully operate nationwide.
He said that 231 Ramadan bazaar locations have been opened up in Selangor alone.