COOKED FOOD STALLS

COOKED FOOD STALLS

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(New applications): **

1.

Dr Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) what is the number of new applications for cooked food stalls annually for the last two years; (b) how many of such cases were rejected because they were found to be carriers of infectious diseases following the pre-approval health screening; and (c) what proportion of existing stall holders who apply for renewal annually are rejected due to conversion of their carrier status to positive.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Operators of food outlets must obtain a licence from NEA and register their food handlers with NEA. Licensees must also register themselves as food handlers if they are involved in food preparation.

Health requirements are imposed not on food outlet licensees but on food handlers since they are the individuals directly involved in food preparation. NEA requires all food handlers to be vaccinated against typhoid once every three years. Those above 45 years of age must also undergo screening for tuberculosis once every three years.

Over the last two years (from January 2007 to December 2008), NEA received about 21,000 applications for registration as food handlers. NEA does not require applicants or existing food handlers to be screened against any food-borne infection. However, they are required to produce valid certificates for typhoid vaccination and tuberculosis screening (if applicable) before they can work as food handlers.

NEA is reviewing the health requirements for food handlers to ensure they remain effective in preventing disease transmission.

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