Three Bakeries In Belait Shut Down
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - Three bakeries in Belait supplying bread to schools were ordered to shut down their operations and temporarily halt their supply after they failed a cleanliness inspection prompted by public complaints of mouldy bread and unclean environment.

The health inspectors even found a cockroach inside a flour storage case in one of the bakeries as well as a cockroach breeding ground on the floor which was still not removed despite a previous inspection.

"The stern action does not only target restaurants or eateries but also bakeries who fail to comply with the cleanliness standards required under the business licence. We understand how it affects the income of the business owners, but this has to be done in the interest of the public so they (businesses) would be responsible in ensuring that cleanliness is practised every day to avoid food poisoning," a Municipal official stated. The previous inspection focused on the kitchen area, method and place of food preparation, storage as well as cleanliness of employees and kitchen utensils, which they discovered were inappropriate.

The three bakeries were graded 45 per cent, 48 per cent and 42 per cent which were below the average cleanliness level of 70 per cent and calls for mandatory closure. In the previous inspection, the bread-makers at the three bakeries were not wearing gloves, aprons and proper shoes. Even as the Municipal officials entered the premises to shut the bakery, the bread-makers in a bakery were spotted not wearing gloves while kneading the dough.

The government inspectors found untidy and unclean storage areas as well as improper storage of ingredients and housekeeping at one of the bakeries.

Meanwhile in another bakery, the inspectors discovered eggs used as part of the bread making process left on the floor leading to the toilet, trays to keep the breads were not properly cleaned and a cockroach breeding ground on the floor.

Margarine and vegetable shortening were left exposed to the air and damaged refrigerator was stored in one of the bakery premises in addition to untidy housekeeping in a separate bakery.

The notice of closure for two weeks was posted on the entrance of the three bakeries within the Belait industrial area which means they have to stop operating and supplying bread.

The Head Enforcement Unit said the closure was also done to deter restaurant operators from neglecting their duties in ensuring their employees are hygienic and that food preparations are carried out in a sanitary manner as the bakeries are supplying food items for student consumption.

The bakeries were closed late Thursday afternoon to give them ample time to carry out major cleaning or repair works to comply with the cleanliness requirements.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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