SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Health Department issued 88 compounds to Ramadan bazaar traders statewide for violating regulations on food handlers' attire and hygiene issues at stalls.

Its director Datuk Dr Sha'ari Ngadiman said the compounds under Notice 32B of the 2009 Food Hygiene Regulations were issued after checks were conducted on more than 4,000 traders.

"To date, 4,325 Ramadan Bazaar traders have been inspected and 88 compounds under Notice 32B of the 2009 Food Hygiene Regulations were issued.

"Among the offences committed were not wearing an apron, people not attending the food handling course and training, no typhoid vaccination, inappropriately dressed, and wearing personal accessories and jewellery such as rings or bracelets while handling food," he said in a statement yesterday.

Dr Sha'ari said there are 232 Ramadan Bazaar locations in Selangor involving 15,593 spots for traders and 46,779 food handlers.

"The 'Op Keselamatan Makanan' at Ramadan bazaars and 'Op Perayaan' ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year is being carried out to ensure food safety throughout the fasting month in accordance with regulations under the Food Act of 1983.

"A Notice 32B will be issued if the food handler does not abide by the stipulated requirements."

Dr Sha'ari said sampling of high-risk Ready-To-Eat (RTE) food was also carried out to ensure food safety.

He said under 'Ops Perayaan', inspections are carried out on packed and canned food products.

He said food products that do not abide by the Food Regulations 1985 will be seized.

Checks were also being carried out for labelling under the Food Act 1983, the use of expired food, issues with food containers and damages in food packaging.

He reminded consumers to be selective in their purchases of food during Ramadan to ensure they only buy food prepared hygienically.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/894837/selangor-health-authority-issues-88-compounds-ramadan-bazaar-traders