The department has also stressed personal hygiene among food handlers. Workers must wear clean clothing, head covers, aprons and appropriate protective equipment, and wash their hands properly before handling food and whenever necessary.
Food businesses must use safe water for food preparation, processing and drinking, while ice used for food and beverages must also be made from safe, quality water.
Packaged food must carry all mandatory labelling information and must not feature misleading claims or displays.
The advisory also directs businesses to collect food waste in covered bins and dispose of it properly, ensuring that waste does not accumulate near food preparation or storage areas.
Food businesses have been asked to provide necessary training to food handlers on food safety, personal hygiene, cleanliness and safe handling practices.
They must also maintain records relating to procurement, storage, temperature control, cleaning, sanitation, pest control and staff training, and produce them when required during inspections.
The department has directed food business operators to cooperate with food safety officers during inspections and provide the records and information sought.
With re-inspections scheduled after the 15-day window, the department has made clear that businesses will be expected to demonstrate compliance or risk enforcement action.
With IANS inputs
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