Food hygiene has recently gained more attention after viral videos showing poor food-handling practices at public eateries in neighbouring countries.
A few bad examples can damage the entire industry, but hopefully, this won’t harm the majority who maintain good standards.
However, it’s concerning that these incidents might become more common among growing eateries, and this country isn’t immune to similar issues.
There have been many reports of poor hygiene practices, leading to heightened concern locally.
Public hygiene is complex and needs to be addressed fairly. It involves not just food handlers but also the cleanliness of premises, drainage, and water supply.
Cultural differences, education, and beliefs may also influence hygiene practices, making it a challenging issue to tackle.
With many foreign workers, cultural habits around food handling can shift, potentially lowering standards. For instance, unsanitary practices like spitting in public or using inappropriate items in food preparation have been reported.
Quality varies widely across eateries, and authorities tend to focus on laws rather than awareness campaigns.
Even so, enforcement can be difficult.
Many countries initially rely on the responsibility of restaurant owners and workers, with rules often being advisory rather than mandatory. Even in advanced countries, food hygiene regulations, like the Food Hygiene Rating system, are sometimes abused.
Eateries may display higher ratings than they’ve earned. In Brunei, the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority manages food hygiene ratings, but there are reports of outdated certifications, which can weaken hygiene oversight.
To improve food hygiene, authorities should take a long-term approach and promote a culture of public cleanliness.
The government must ensure good infrastructure, like clean water, drainage, and waste management, to support a hygienic environment. This will help eateries thrive as part of sustainable tourism.
Jerantut
