Hospital cafeteria shut over cockroaches, poor hygiene

 

GEORGE TOWN: A cafeteria at a private hospital in Penang has been ordered to close for 14 days after health authorities uncovered serious hygiene violations, including cockroaches in prepared food and pest droppings on the premises.

Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the action followed a public complaint received on April 13.

He said an inspection by the state health department found the kitchen to be in an unsanitary condition, constituting an offence under the Food Act 1983.

“The cleanliness of the kitchen was unsatisfactory and therefore a violation of the Food Act 1983,” he said.

However, Gooi said the department could not disclose the date of the previous inspection as it formed part of enforcement procedures.

Inspectors reportedly found cockroaches in cooked food and pest droppings on the floor during the inspection.

Gooi said enforcement action was taken immediately, with a closure order and compound issued on the same day.

A notice posted at the premises stated that the cafeteria must remain closed for 14 days, from April 13 to 26, and undergo a thorough cleanup before it can resume operations.

On public health risks, Gooi said laboratory tests on food samples are being carried out in line with standard operating procedures.

He added that the state health department maintains strict and continuous monitoring of food premises.

“Not only healthcare facilities; the state health department is strictly monitoring all eateries at all times,” he said. - Star