Food Handling and Hygiene
Food hygiene and handling are crucial aspects of the food industry in Malaysia, ensuring the safety of the food consumed by the public. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Regulations and Importance
The Ministry of Health (MOH) enforces food safety regulations through the Food Act 1983 and the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
These regulations mandate that all food handlers undergo mandatory training in food hygiene practices.
Food Handler Training
Food handler training courses are offered by MOH-approved training providers.
The courses cover various topics including:
Roles and responsibilities of food handlers
Personal hygiene practices
Foodborne illnesses and their prevention
Food preparation and handling techniques
Food storage and preservation
Cleaning and sanitation procedures
Pest control
Personal Hygiene
Maintaining a high degree of personal hygiene is essential to prevent food contamination.
Key practices include:
Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water
Keeping fingernails short and clean
Wearing clean clothing (apron, hair covering)
Not wearing jewelry or accessories
Reporting any illness to a supervisor
Food Handling Practices
Safe food handling practices minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Here are some examples:
Maintaining separate chopping boards for raw and cooked food
Cooking food to proper internal temperatures
Proper thawing and cooling of food
Storing food in designated areas to prevent cross-contamination
Using clean and sanitized utensils and equipment
Following proper labeling and food rotation procedures
Food Handlers Certificate
A Food Handlers Certificate is mandatory for anyone who handles, prepares or serves food as part of their job in Malaysia. It's a legal requirement according to the Malaysian Food Act 1983 and the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) is responsible for issuing the certificate after a person completes a food handler course conducted by an approved Food Handlers Training School. The course covers topics like food poisoning, food contamination, personal hygiene, housekeeping and sanitation, food safety systems, and law and work ethics.
The good news is that the Food Handler Certificate is valid for life, so you only need to take the course once.
Additional Resources
For more information on food handling and hygiene regulations in Malaysia, you can refer to the following resources:
Ministry of Health Malaysia: Ministry of Health Malaysia website
Food Hygiene Regulations 2009: Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 Malaysia
Malaysia's Premier Learning Hub: Food Handling and Hygiene Malaysia
How Bestar can Help
Bestar offers consulting services to food businesses in Malaysia.
To determine how Bestar can help, visit our website or contact us directly.