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Food Handling and Hygiene



Food Handling and Hygiene


Food hygiene and handling are crucial aspects of the food industry in Malaysia, ensuring the safety of the food consumed by the public. Here's a breakdown of the key points:


Regulations and Importance


  • The Ministry of Health (MOH) enforces food safety regulations through the Food Act 1983 and the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.

  • These regulations mandate that all food handlers undergo mandatory training in food hygiene practices.


Food Handler Training


  • Food handler training courses are offered by MOH-approved training providers.

  • The courses cover various topics including:

  • Roles and responsibilities of food handlers

  • Personal hygiene practices

  • Foodborne illnesses and their prevention

  • Food preparation and handling techniques

  • Food storage and preservation

  • Cleaning and sanitation procedures

  • Pest control


Personal Hygiene


  • Maintaining a high degree of personal hygiene is essential to prevent food contamination.

  • Key practices include:

  • Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water

  • Keeping fingernails short and clean

  • Wearing clean clothing (apron, hair covering)

  • Not wearing jewelry or accessories

  • Reporting any illness to a supervisor


Food Handling Practices


  • Safe food handling practices minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Here are some examples:

  • Maintaining separate chopping boards for raw and cooked food

  • Cooking food to proper internal temperatures

  • Proper thawing and cooling of food

  • Storing food in designated areas to prevent cross-contamination

  • Using clean and sanitized utensils and equipment

  • Following proper labeling and food rotation procedures


Food Handlers Certificate


A Food Handlers Certificate is mandatory for anyone who handles, prepares or serves food as part of their job in Malaysia. It's a legal requirement according to the Malaysian Food Act 1983 and the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.


The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) is responsible for issuing the certificate after a person completes a food handler course conducted by an approved Food Handlers Training School. The course covers topics like food poisoning, food contamination, personal hygiene, housekeeping and sanitation, food safety systems, and law and work ethics.


The good news is that the Food Handler Certificate is valid for life, so you only need to take the course once.


Additional Resources


For more information on food handling and hygiene regulations in Malaysia, you can refer to the following resources:



How Bestar can Help


Bestar offers consulting services to food businesses in Malaysia.


To determine how Bestar can help, visit our website or contact us directly.




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