SMC to conduct regular checks on Sibu eateries’ compliance with good hygiene practices

SIBU (Nov 1): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) will continue to carry out regular inspections at eateries here to ensure compliance of health requirements, food safety and hygiene.

SMC Public Health Environment Committee Vice Chairman councillor Yiing Sy Huat in highlighting the cleanliness issue at food premises here said the council would take necessary actions against operators who failed to keep their premises clean and hygienic.

“We are very concerned about the cleanliness at eateries and will continue to carry out inspection from time to time and this includes inspections on toilets, walls, ceilings, kitchen, five-foot-ways, side lanes, back lanes and the surrounding areas,” he said in a statement.

Yiing also reminded the food operators not to discharge food waste, rubbish and used cooking oil into the drain in order to avoid creating offensive smell and causing drain blockage.

“All food operators must ensure that the toilet is functioning, clean and dry at all times,” he stressed, adding that the aspect of cleanliness ought to be maintained at all times, during or even after their business hours.

According to him, the council had conducted spot checks on nine hotel restaurants, three private-owned restaurants, nine franchise fast food outlets and 16 coffee shops here from July to Oct this year.

From these operations, he said various worn crockeries and cutleries such as chopping boards, cups, bowls, plates and plastic straws were seized for not meeting up to health and safety standards.

“Food handlers must practise good personal hygiene and proper food handling, as well as to maintain food safety habits to safeguard the health and well-being of all,” he emphasised.

The usage of plastic straws, Styrofoam containers for food and drinks, he reminded, are strictly prohibited in the licensed food and beverage outlets under the council’s jurisdiction.

“SMC would like to seek cooperation from the over 1000 licensed food operators here to keep their food premises clean, hygiene and tidy at all times,” he said.