SANDAKAN: Six food processing factories here were ordered to stop operations immediately due to unhygienic practices.
They included two chicken slaughter houses and four bread factories, all of which were found to have breached Section 11 of the Food Act 1983 and Regulation 9 of the Food Regulations 1985.
The 14-day closure order was enforced following a surprise inspection on 10 food processing factories throughout March.
Sandakan District Health Officer Dr Johari Awang Besar said the operation involved 10 officers from the Sandakan Area Health Office and Sandakan Municipal Council.
He said the operation was initially carried out on six chicken slaughter houses and four bread factories, adding it was aimed at ensuring constantly clean and tidy premises.
Six compound notices were issued under Section 32B for failing to have a Food Safety Assurance Programme, which is required of all food processing plants.
Additional violations included workers who did not have a Health Certificate, lack of a Food Handler Course Certificate, slippery, greasy and dirty premises floors, cooking utensils that were not properly maintained, poor drainage facilities and poor garbage and waste disposal.
According to Dr Johari, these infractions would cast a negative light on Sandakan’s source of fresh chicken meat, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
He urged anyone who comes across unsanitary slaughter houses or food processing plants to report them so that urgent corrective action can be taken.
“We will not compromise on any premises in violation of the law, and enforcement will be carried out on a regular basis,” he said.
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