We’ve reported a few eateries in Penang that were shut down due to cleanliness issues, now two more famous Nasi Kandar outlets have been compounded by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for cross-contamination and improper handling of food.
Photo: The Star
During MBPP inspection, both Nasi Kandar outlets, located along Jalan Gurdwara were served with compounds totalling over RM200.
One establishment was issued two compounds, one of which for placing raw food materials on the floor and the other for improperly storing hard-boiled eggs, both of which could lead to cross-contamination.
The second premise which stored their food mix in a freezer was also given a compound.
The two outlets were among the six establishments raided by MBPP offices yesterday. Out of the total, seven compounds totalling RM520 were issued to four of the premises while the other three premises were ordered to close down as rat droppings, cockroaches or rodents were found.
“We found rat droppings at the premise in Macalister Road, while the other premise in Jalan Gurdwara was found to have live cockroaches and a dead rat. The third, a hawker centre, also in Jalan Gurdwara, was found to have poor hygiene and rat droppings”, said MBPP department environmental health officer, Bawani Murugasan.
“The three premises were ordered to close in accordance with MBPP by-laws under Section 38 (1) of the Food Establishment Act Bylaws 1991,” she said during a press conference after the operation.
According to Bawani, the department has checked 28 premises in total and have closed down 21 premises, with a total of 33 compounds worth RM2,500 were also issued.
“This is our eighth spot check since we started our operations last November,” said Bawani.
She added that spot checks will be ongoing throughout Penang island this year as she noticed a slight improvement in hygiene and cleanliness issues in some of these outlets after they have been inspected.
By: Siti Farhana Sheikh Yahya
