Mar 9, 2010
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & WATER RESOURCES
Foodcourt operators face temporary closure if there are too many breaches
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & WATER RESOURCES
Foodcourt operators face temporary closure if there are too many breaches
OWNERS of dirty food stalls face higher fines for serious lapses in hygiene, under a revised penalty system which comes into effect next month.
By the end of the year, operators of 2,500 licensed foodcourts, coffee shops, and canteens will also come under the new penalty system and face having their premises closed temporarily if there are too many hygiene breaches.
The moves are part of the Government's attempt to prevent a repeat of the outbreak of food poisoning at the Geylang Serai temporary market last year.
The National Environment Agency (NEA), which regulates hygiene standards in food establishments, will raise the minimum fine for errant stall owners from $100 to between $200 and $400, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
Failing to use plastic bags to dispose of refuse is a minor offence. But preparing food on the floor or failing to prevent rodent infestation are serious offences.
Private operators of foodcourts, coffee shops and canteens will also be made liable for hygiene lapses in common areas of their establishments, such as toilets.
