FOOD POISONING: 51 MARA COLLEGE STUDENTS HOSPITALISED IN MELAKA
By Nityaasini Sivagami
KUALA LUMPUR 18TH AUGUST : The incidence of food poisoning in Malaysia is a serious concern to public health and safety, particularly in school environments. The number of food poisoning incidents reported in Malaysia has increased as a result of noncompliance with food safety standards as stated in The Star.
Following a dinner at the institute’s cafe two days prior, 51 students from Mara Professional College Ayer Molek, Tiang Dua in Melaka were taken to Jasin Hospital and Ayer Molek Health Clinic due to possible food illness.
Before being taken to the hospital and clinic, the afflicted students—36 females and 15 males—experienced symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach aches, according to State Education,
Higher Education, and Religious Affairs Committee Chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman as stated in The Star
He stated that the state health agency, in reaction to the incident, has mandated the 14-day closure of seven cafés selling a variety of food items inside the college campus. The closures will begin at 6.30 p.m. on Friday, August 16.
Although there are rules available, such as the Malaysia School Canteen rules Handbook (2004) published by the Ministry of Education, there is still a deficiency in food safety awareness and implementation, particularly among school-age children. It is the duty of the food handler to guarantee the safety of the food served in the school, and good education and hygiene among food handlers are crucial in lowering the incidence of food poisoning.
Given this, the relevant authorities ought to emphasize how vital it is for school canteen workers to follow proper hygiene procedures and have a thorough understanding of food safety in order to reduce the risk of food poisoning. It is necessary to look into and assess the practices and understanding of food handlers throughout the preparation of food.
Furthermore, it is critical to acknowledge that schools have an obligation to provide pupils with wholesome and safe meals. To maintain food safety requirements, food workers must communicate effectively with one another. On the other hand, poor communication can make problems worse and raise the possibility of foodborne infections.
Finally, it should be noted that establishing strong food safety procedures, awareness, and understanding in schools is essential to creating enduring habits and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and food poisoning. In order to ensure that food handlers and students are both knowledgeable about and attentive to food safety standards, schools must play a crucial part in this instructional endeavor.
We can make sure that our schools offer our kids a safe and healthy environment in addition to education by implementing these measures.
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