36 food outlets fined for hygiene lapses in 2011

[Eomer]

36 food outlets fined for hygiene lapses in 2011

SoShiok.com | Mon Jul 9 2012

Table-cleaning issues usually arise because of cheap sourcing by the stallholders.

Singapore, July 9, 2012

In 2011, 36 food outlets were fined for failing to keep their premises and tables clean, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan in Parliament today.

The operators were fined $300 and given four demerit points, he said.

The majority of food outlets have a system to clear and clean tables for their next set of customers as it makes good business sense, he said.

However, in the case of hawker centres, table-cleaning issues usually arise because of cheap sourcing by the stallholders, resulting in inadequate levels of service especially during peak hours, Dr Balakrishnan revealed.

Hence, National Environmental Agency (NEA) has been working with the respective Hawkers Associations in centres to engage cleaning companies accredited under NEA's Clean Mark Scheme, as a measure to raise cleaning standards.

Cleaning crews employed by companies accredited under NEA's Clean Mark scheme are required to attend skills training in the Environmental Cleaning Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) modules, where proper cleaning practices are taught.

Going forward, NEA is working on a set of cleaning standards that operators of food and beverage establishments can incorporate in their contracts with cleaning companies.

These will include guidelines on cleaning methodology, compliance with health and safety requirements, and a system for quality assessment.

NEA also intends to license cleaning companies over the next two years, he said. Licensed cleaning companies must, amongst other requirements, ensure that their workers are trained in relevant cleaning courses approved by NEA.

In the meantime, NEA will continue to educate operators to adopt proper table cleaning systems.

He added that members of the public who patronise eating establishments can also do their part by keeping the place clean for the next user.

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[jiangrenhua]

nIt is about time ah siah kias singaporeans better use their hands to clear their own plates.

 

[kingrant]

They should think about parading those dirty cleaning trolleys about in front of you when you are eating, and brushing or knocking against you, and worse spilling some of that cocktail of collected soup wastes on your nice office attire or your shoes.
Surely they can dress up the unsightly trolley, or at least not pile the dishes and bowls so high or fill the bowls so high with the liquid waste that it is splashing about when they push the trolleys. Also some of them sweat so much that they stink!

Not against them but the system. Surely the management can provide proper conditions for them to rest and make themselves more presentable.