Eight food businesses were closed down by the Health Ministry following a 10-week inspection of food business operators in the Central Division which began in February this year.

The closures came in the wake of inspections carried out by officers from the Central Board of Health, following numerous reports and complaints received against food business operators around the country for breaching the food legislation that govern hygiene practices and the condition of food on sale to the public.

The ministry said a total of 200 food business operators that included retail shops, bakeries, takeaway outlets, and supermarkets were inspected.

During the inspections, 59 Notices were issued for illegal operations to food operators who were found to be operating without a health license.

Abatement Notices were issued to 35 food business operators found to be operating under insanitary conditions – the notices also included corrective actions to be undertaken within prescribed timelines.

Eight Closing Orders were issued for food business operators to close operations due to findings of non-compliance and high-risk practices that can cause direct health impact such as the spread of foodborne diseases and leptospirosis.

The Central Board of Health reminded food business operators that under the Food Safety Act 2003, they must ensure good hygiene practices are applied at all stages of production, processing, handling, storage and distribution of food under their control.

According to the Food Safety Act 2003, a person who sells, prepares, packs, keeps, or conveys for sale any food under insanitary conditions that render or may render the food injurious or dangerous to health commits an offense, and is liable for prosecution under the Act.