A health officer inspecting one of the ice processing machines.
TAWAU: The Health Department on Tuesday ordered two ice factories here to close for 14 days for cleaning and maintenance as their operation may pose a health and safety risk.
They were among three factories inspected by the department officers and were found to have ice contamination risk, no control on possible contamination from outside the factory, workers not observing cleanliness practice, no health and food control certificates, storage method of ice not under control and could be detrimental to the health of consumers.
Tawau area health officer Rahman Sampe, who led 16 officers during the inspection, said they conducted their spot checks on three factories about 11pm based on a risk-based inspection guideline list under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.
Apart from inspection on the premises and the factories, the transportation facilities used by the companies were also checked to ensure there was no contamination.
Rahman said there was a high risk of ice spreading food and water-borne diseases as it could be easily contaminated. Therefore, the control of contamination during processing, storing and transporting was very important.