MELAKA: The Melaka health department ordered three food processing factories to be closed due to non-compliance of cleanliness procedures for food safety and quality standards, during an integrated operation on Monday (Oct 3). According to state Health Department director Datuk Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman, the three factories were ordered shut in accordance with Section 11 of the Food Act 1983, as the department was not satisfied with the cleanliness at the three factories. Dr Rusdi said the three factories were among 73 food processing factories inspected by the department throughout the year. "As of today, the state Health Department had issued 58 compounds worth RM47,350 for various offences involving non-compliance of cleanliness under the food processing and safety standard procedures. Dr Rusdi said the integrated operation was carried out by the Food Safety and Quality Division, as well as the Inspectorate and Legal Unit to ensure food processing factories in Melaka met the Malaysia Food Protection Scheme (MeSTI) standard.
