Kuala lumpur: A prominent civil society leader has called for food safety standards to be strengthened to protect public health and maintain the trust of consumers in the country. Alliance For A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye called for stiff penalties to be imposed on those who violate food safety standards to reinforce the seriousness of food safety.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee emphasized the necessity for robust enforcement of existing food safety laws. He suggested that authorities conduct more frequent and rigorous inspections of food establishments to ensure compliance with hygiene standards. This would help in identifying and rectifying potential lapses in food safety practices.
Lee also advocated for mandatory food safety certification courses for all food handlers. He underscored the importance of comprehensive training in safe food handling practices, which includes understanding proper hygiene, maintaining cleanliness in preparation areas, and adhering to temperature contr
ol guidelines.
Moreover, Lee stressed the accountability of food businesses in regularly monitoring their staff’s health and educating them about the risks of working while ill. He warned that infections among food handlers could quickly spread to consumers, posing significant health risks.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of public awareness campaigns on food hygiene. Such initiatives are vital as they empower consumers to make informed choices about their food consumption, contributing to overall public health safety.
