By Olivia Miwil - March 28, 2023 @ 6:54pm
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Health Department is working closely with the state Veterinary Services Department to improve the surveillance system on food safety.
State Health director Datuk Dr Rose Mani Mudin said both departments met today to discuss on the system.
"We have a team to look after the food quality and safety.
"They conduct random sampling, including on chicken, meat and others for tests on items such as salmonella. This is done routinely.
"This morning, we had a meeting with the Veterinary Services dDepartment to strengthen this surveillance system," she told the media after inspecting vendors at the Ramadan bazaar here.
Dr Rose said the samples are then sent to the laboratory for tests on possible contamination.
Social media in Sabah was recently abuzz over the sale of chicken wings which appeared to have been "over-coloured."
Dr Rose however said there has yet to be any outcome on the investigation.
On the water disruption in several districts, she said such a situation might affect cleanliness of food at bazaars.
"Basically, the situation will affect food handlers as it will limit the frequency of which they wash their hands and plates.
"They must prepare themselves earlier before they come to the bazaar and ensure that packed food is covered and not touched with bare hands (to prevent contamination)," she said, adding consumers also need to do their part in choosing the right food.
There has yet to be any reports of food-borne diseases in the state since Ramadan began.
The Health Department had inspected 277 food premises at five districts since March 27.
A total of 21 notices have been issued under Section 32B of Food Act 1983 for failing to follow regulations on ensuring safety of food, as well as failure to be vaccinated for typhoid.
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