The Ministry of Health plans to transform BKKM into a food safety authority

Khairy speaks during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on May 19, 2022. – Bernama photo

SEPANG (June 7): The Ministry of Health (MOH) is studying the need to upgrade the Division of Food Safety and Quality (BKKM) as the Food Safety Authority, said the Minister of Health. Health, Khairy Jamaluddin.

Speaking at a press conference after chairing National World Food Safety Day 2022 here today, Khairy said it was in line with the rapid development of technology and future safety and security needs. food quality.

“I would say this is a mid-term plan,” he said, commenting on the BKKM upgrade proposal.

Khairy said the proposal was also part of the study on amendments to the Food Act 1983 (Act 281) which was currently being carried out by the Department of Health.

“We need to review the existing legal structure from time to time to ensure that it is in line with current needs,” he said.

Law 281, which came into effect in March 1983, was last amended in June 2006. It aims to protect the public against health risks and fraud in the preparation, sale and consumption of food, as well as related issues.

Khairy, meanwhile, encouraged contractors and home food handlers to register their business with the BKKM to enable them to be listed as holders of home food supplier certificates recognized by the Ministry of Health. .

“Although they are not compulsory, the certificates offer a guarantee of safety for the food products produced.

“Consumers can choose a certified food supplier through the BKKM website. This can protect consumers and ensure food suppliers meet food preparation requirements,” he said.

Regarding the registration process, Khairy said that each food supplier must submit supporting application documents such as their premises registration slip, typhoid vaccination certificate, training certificate of food handler from a recognized food handler training school and food etiquette. – Bernama






Maria J. Book