Stricter hygiene regulations to ensure food safety, says cafe owner

SHAH ALAM – The government and the people play a crucial role in ensuring an environment that does not lead to deaths due to food-borne illnesses and that focuses on maintaining a hygienic environment, says Tanah Aina Fareena Cafe owner Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil.

"Food cleanliness has always been important but recent incidents highlight its paramount importance now more than ever," the Malaysian Bumiputra Timber and Furniture Entrepreneurs Association Peka president said.

Shariffa Sabrina said that the government needed to implement stricter regulations by enforcing better standards for food handling, storage and preparation in both commercial and domestic settings.

"There should be regular inspections by increasing the frequency and thoroughness for food establishments to ensure compliance with hygiene standards.

"Mandatory training programmes all need to be held for all food handlers such as attending certified training programmes focused on food safety and hygiene.

"The public also needs to be informed about the importance of food safety, proper cooking techniques and the dangers of cross-contamination that can be done through public awareness education campaigns," she said when contacted.

She said that it can be done through popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X, formerly known as Twitter.

"People should also organise workshops and seminars in local communities to provide hands-on training and information about food hygiene," she said, as alternatives to raising awareness other than passive physical and online educational campaigns.

Shariffa Sabrina also said that it is important to incorporate food safety education into school curricula too to instil good practices from a young age, especially for people who are keen in the culinary industry.

"People should partner with food bloggers and influencers to spread the message about the importance of food cleanliness," she said, as an alternative for people who are already occupied with social media as a way to promote their food products, to convince people more of the hygiene of their food products and their personal priorities.

She emphasised the importance of broadcasting messages on television, radio, and public transportation systems to reach a wider audience.

"The authorities should distribute pamphlets, posters and booklets in public places like markets, restaurants, and healthcare facilities," she suggested.

She also said that cleaning workspaces by ensuring that all surfaces, utensils and equipment that are cleaned and sanitised regularly can also avoid cross-contamination.

"Future incidents of food poisoning can be avoided when chefs and food handlers stick to proper hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.

She outlined that there is proper and safe food storage where foods are supposed to be kept at appropriate temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and ensure that raw and cooked foods are kept separate. This is also attributed to avoiding cross-contamination.

"Foods need to be kept at the correct internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria and separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods need to be ensured," she said.

She also reminded the importance of regular health screenings for the sake of food handlers to continue their service and also not to spread the illness.

"We should prioritise food cleanliness and discuss how we can collectively work towards preventing foodborne illnesses," she said.