Brudirect.com - News Headlines

BruneiDirect.Com

Health Screening For Food Handlers
By Azian Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Head of School and Hostel Nutrition Service at the Ministry of Education urged canteen workers to undergo health screening prior to doing business and said food handlers must be Muslim.

In outlining several guidelines, as stated in the agreement signed between the Ministry of Education and food suppliers, Awg Hj Azis Hj Nayan stressed on the importance of suppliers to adhere to the rules and regulations issued by the government authorities, and always ensure that food sold must be `halal' in accordance to 'syarak', nutritious, clean and always carry price labels.

He said this at a health briefing for managers and canteen operators for the Brunei-Muara District at the Civil Service Institute in Rimba, Gadong.

Hj Azis also warned that the Ministry of Education would not hesitate to terminate the services of any canteen operator if negligence on their part in providing food to school children affects the students. He said setting up a canteen is not merely to make profit but is a crucial social responsibility towards the nation.

The briefing is part of a continuous effort by the Ministry of Education to avoid frequent

food poisoning incidents at schools, and also to clarify to canteen operators regarding the types of food to be sold in order to upgrade the food standard at school canteens.

At present, there are 197 canteens operating in schools, colleges including religious schools throughout the country. These include 120 canteens in the Brunei-Muara District, 37 in Tutong, 27 in Belait and 13 in Temburong.

Meanwhile, Hjh Masni Hj Ibrahim, Head of Community Nutrition at the Health Services Department said her department came across school canteens that sold instant noodles, french fries, junk food to school children. She also said that some vendors take the aspect of health lightly by exposing the foodstuff and keeping food stock for long periods.

She said food that should not be sold to schoolchildren include sweets, lollypops, fizzy drinks, pickles, junk food with small toys inside packets, ice-cream, food containing colourings, preservatives as well as tea and coffee.

Some 100 managers and canteen operators attended the briefing. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Back to News Page

Write to Us

Counter