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Penang hospital cafeteria shut down after cockroaches found in food; authorities act swiftly following complaint, raising hygiene concerns.
PETALING JAYA: A cafeteria operating within a private hospital in Penang has been ordered to close following the discovery of cockroaches in cooked food and pest droppings throughout the premises.
The enforcement action followed a public complaint received on April 13, which prompted an immediate inspection by the state Health Department.
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Penang Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen confirmed that swift action was taken to address the health risks.
“We received a complaint on April 13. The state Health Department immediately inspected the site and found that the cleanliness was poor,” he told the New Straits Times.
The inspection revealed a harrowing lack of hygiene; cockroaches were discovered inside prepared meals, while pest droppings were spotted across the floor, raising serious food safety concerns.
“An immediate closure order and a compound were issued on the same day.
“The cafeteria operator is required to carry out a thorough clean-up before the premises can be permitted to reopen,” Gooi added.
He further emphasised that the move was in strict accordance with the Health Department’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding food safety.
The incident has garnered significant attention online, with members of the public expressing concern over hygiene standards, particularly in eateries located within healthcare facilities, where sanitary conditions are expected to be of paramount importance.