The first thing that typically springs to mind when someone mentions Penang: food.
The island is without a doubt the most prominent location in Malaysia for satisfying your appetite (legend says the food tastes better in Penang because of its water).
However, its popularity might also mean that food vendors and restaurants may overlook their cleanliness and hygiene like Penang’s famous Transfer Road roti canai stall.
Recently, the roadside eatery was inspected by health officials from the northeast district Food Safety and Quality Department and the result was unappetising, to say the least.
The department found that its stall workers have never attended any food-handling training. On top of that, faecal matter on the chicken eggs used to cook the delicious dishes was also found.
The stall was ordered to shut down for two weeks in accordance with Section 11 of the Food Act of 1983, while the owner was fined RM500 for failing to get his employees to attend the required training.
Additionally, a nearby beverage vendor was fined RM500 for cross-contamination found in its ice storage unit.
The most fascinating thing is that consumers at the stall at the time the inspection was done didn’t appear to be bothered by how dirty the stall was – even after their unhygienic practices were exposed.
Even during the lunch hour rush, several people could still be seen waiting in line to place their orders.
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