HOW tragic that Hawa Buyong, one of the victims in the food poisoning case in Siputeh, Batu Gajah, had died after being hospitalised and unconscious for some three weeks.
The fatality, among more than 30 people, from toddlers to the elderly, who were affected, with four of them in serious condition, demands urgent and focused action on several fronts.
The food that the victims are said to have consumed – kuih bom, cucur badak, nasi lemak, nasi goreng, and kuey teow goreng – and other foods, reflecting the rich diversity of our people, are popular and consumed by Malaysians of all ages and from all walks of life.
The state health official concerned, Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon is reported to have said that early investigation revealed the victims had eaten food contaminated with insecticide (organophosphate) at a stall in Siputeh, which has since been ordered to close and that various agencies are investigating the incident.
Be that as it may, if we visit food outlets, stalls and restaurants, we can see that the food, storage, preparation, service and environment, often leave much to be desired from a safety, hygiene and sanitary point of view.
We have comprehensive regulations regarding the operation of these outlets – and canteens in schools, offices and public places – to ensure the quality and safety of food and cleanliness.
More importantly, federal and state agencies should work closely in implementing a regular and properly designed programme of information, guidance and advice to owners, operators and the community on food safety and hygiene alongside more effective inspection and strict enforcement of the rules.
Rueben Dudley
Petaling Jaya
The fatality, among more than 30 people, from toddlers to the elderly, who were affected, with four of them in serious condition, demands urgent and focused action on several fronts.
The food that the victims are said to have consumed – kuih bom, cucur badak, nasi lemak, nasi goreng, and kuey teow goreng – and other foods, reflecting the rich diversity of our people, are popular and consumed by Malaysians of all ages and from all walks of life.
The state health official concerned, Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon is reported to have said that early investigation revealed the victims had eaten food contaminated with insecticide (organophosphate) at a stall in Siputeh, which has since been ordered to close and that various agencies are investigating the incident.
Be that as it may, if we visit food outlets, stalls and restaurants, we can see that the food, storage, preparation, service and environment, often leave much to be desired from a safety, hygiene and sanitary point of view.
We have comprehensive regulations regarding the operation of these outlets – and canteens in schools, offices and public places – to ensure the quality and safety of food and cleanliness.
More importantly, federal and state agencies should work closely in implementing a regular and properly designed programme of information, guidance and advice to owners, operators and the community on food safety and hygiene alongside more effective inspection and strict enforcement of the rules.
Rueben Dudley
Petaling Jaya