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Written by: Zhang Jiamin
2020-03-06 11:00
Last updated: 2020-03-06 11:00The Food Safety Centre of the FEHD has been conducting safety tests for food, including Staphylococcus aureus. Some front-line employees revealed that the test procedure involved taking samples from the nasal cavity for testing, saying that after the outbreak of the new coronavirus, the FEHD did not provide employees with adequate protective equipment and guidelines, criticizing the Department for disregarding the safety of employees.
The FEHD responded to enquiries and acknowledged that it would take samples from food premises or food handlers for testing when necessary to investigate the cause of food incidents. The Department said that a health assessment will be performed before taking samples and appropriate protective equipment will be provided.
The Food Safety Centre conducts random checks on food samples on the market. (Profile picture)
FEHD's Food Safety Centre will take food samples from market retailers, restaurants, etc. for coagulase-positive Staphylococcus testing, including common Staphylococcus aureus. Some employees have revealed that if the samples are found to be unsatisfactory, they need to be tested from procedures, ingredients, and even food manufacturers to find the source of the bacteria. It is even more necessary to take samples from the nasal cavity of a food manufacturer and send them Tested in the laboratory.
Some employees have suggested that protective clothing should be provided for use by frontline personnel, but no response has been received. (Profile picture)
No updated guidelines on alcohol hand sanitizers being expired
Some employees revealed that since the outbreak, the FEHD has not updated the guidelines for employees responsible for taking samples, and has not provided protective clothing, eye masks and other protective equipment. He said that the department only gave a box of masks to each person about a month ago, but the masks have been used up now, and you need to bring your own masks at work, even the alcohol hand sanitizer is expired. He pointed out that because the nasal cavity sample extraction involves close contact, it is more likely to be exposed to secretions; coupled with the opportunity to sneeze when extracting samples, it is easy to spread the germs.
He pointed out that he had reported and inquired about equipment problems to his boss, but had not received a reply from the other party, and had not even followed up the health status of the employees who had conducted relevant procedures. He believes that the Department of Management ignores the safety of employees and should provide adequate protection for frontline personnel and even set up designated places for removing equipment.
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FEHD: health assessment for food handlers
The FEHD responded to enquiries and stated that Staphylococcus aureus is widely found in the environment and is commonly found in the nasal cavity, throat, hair and skin of healthy people, so it has the opportunity to spread from food handlers to food. The spokesman said that when investigating the cause of food incidents, samples were taken from food premises or food handlers for testing as needed.
The FEHD also stated that a list of procedures had been developed in response to the epidemic, and health assessments would be conducted for food handlers before taking samples. During the test procedures, employees will also be provided with appropriate protective equipment, which means that adequate protective equipment is available, and safety training has been provided for employees.
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