KOTA KINABALU: Four food processing factories in Sabah’s east coast Tawau district have been ordered to cease operations immediately after they were found to have breached health codes.
During inspections under the Food Safety Assurance Programme by Tawau Health Department personnel on Thursday (Oct 3), the factories were found to be not only unhygienic but had rat droppings on the premises.
They were found to be in breach of Section 32B of the Food Act 1983.
“We decided that the four factories be closed immediately for 14 days because of the poor level of cleanliness as well as over the discovery of rat droppings,” Tawau Health officer Dr Shameer Khan Sulaiman said after the inspections.
“Besides that, the factories also did not have Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri (MeSTI) certification although they have been operating for some time,” he added.
He said the team also confiscated almost three tonnes of processed food that did not meet health requirements.
“We will monitor the factories to see that they comply with the order.
“The owners can apply to the Tawau Health Office for permission to operate again.
“These owners must obtain the MeSTI certification first to be guided on the necessary health procedures,” he said.
A total of 16 premises were checked over three days, with 15 compound notices issued, he added.
The operation was aimed at ensuring food cleanliness and safety in Tawau, and to ensure full compliance with the Food Act.
“I urge all suppliers and factories to follow procedures so that the food they process will be safe for people to consume,” Dr Shameer Khan added.
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