PETALING JAYA – Consumers have a role to play in ensuring the food they buy is safe for consumption. Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah said, those who are not satisfied could lodge a report on National Consumers Complaint Centre website.
He was commenting on reports that many hawkers secure the food packaging by using staples, although it is against regulations.
Recently, a five-year-old boy had to be rushed to hospital when he complained of his abdominal pains after consuming a packet of food.
The boy had to undergo emergency surgery after an X-ray showed that he had ingested a nail.
In response, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah instructed food sellers to stop using harmful objects in their food packaging. Those who flout the rules are liable to a fine of up to RM10,000, two years’ imprisonment, or both.
Saravanan pointed out that the issue of food safety goes beyond the packaging.
“Consumers should be vigilant when they go to a restaurant or food stall for their meals. Look around. See what goes on there, especially if you decide to dine in.”
He advised the people need to check the eatery’s business licence first and the level of cleanliness as graded by the local authority.
“These should be clearly displayed inside the eatery.”
Saravanan said customers need to see if the staff observe the standard operating procedures. The staff should be wearing hair (covers) and gloves when handling the food to ensure cleanliness.
Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations president Datuk Yow Boon Choon acknowledged that many traders ignore the safety aspect in their food packaging.
“Use hazardous objects such as staples is not the safest way to pack food. The dry food could be packed in sealed bags while traditional food such as nasi lemak could be packed without the use of staples,” he said.
Yow stressed that the main priority of food sellers should be the safety of consumers.He said, food or drinks should never be near with staples and other harmful objects.
“Accidents can happen and someone may end up swallowing one of these objects and requiree surgery.”
Yow advised the traders should be more careful especially when packing the food. The traders can be creative but not to the extent of endangering the consumer.
He said courses on how to safely pack food for sale have been organised for traders who are members of associations in the federation.
“This is our way of creating awareness and to teach the traders the safest way to pack food.
He added, there are many ways to pack food correctly and safely. He hope that once the traders have acquired the knowledge, it would put a stop to incidents of people swallowing harmful objects with their meals.
Source: Muhammad Yusry (THE SUN DAILY)
