‘Look, sniff and taste food first’
VISITORS to Ramadan bazaars are advised to carefully observe and smell the food that they have purchased to detect if it has gone off before consuming.

Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said practising three simple steps of looking, sniffing and tasting could help prevent food poisoning.

He said Johor Health Department has been promoting this practice at Ramadan bazaars statewide to help consumers make smarter choices before breaking their fast.

“The department also displays QR codes at the bazaars to make it easier for consumers to lodge complaints regarding food hygiene.

“So far, the department has received three complaints from consumers who purchased spoiled food from Ramadan bazaars in Johor Baru and Mersing,” he said.

Ling said the department would conduct investigations under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.

If necessary, a compound would be issued or the premises would be ordered to close for 14 days.

This year, there are about 190 Ramadan bazaar locations with more than 10,680 stalls in the state.

“The department has checked 3,632 food stalls throughout the fasting month as of March 23.

“Most of them have cleanliness levels exceeding 80% and no stalls have been ordered to close so far.

“A total of 150 compounds amounting to RM16,750 have also been issued against traders under Section 32(B) of the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009,” he said.

Ling added that during Ramadan last year, 205 compounds totalling RM28,500 were issued to traders for similar offences.

Besides food stalls, the department also inspected ice suppliers to ensure their products were safe and clean for consumption, he said.
Ramadan,Bazaar,Food,Health Department,Ling Tian Soon
VISITORS to Ramadan bazaars are advised to carefully observe and smell the food that they have purchased to detect if it has gone off before consuming.