Lilongwe food handlers trained in hygiene

Director of Standards in the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) Fred Sikwese says there is need to train food handlers on issues of hygiene because poorly prepared food can cause illness and in some instances death.

Speaking on the sidelines of a two-day training session in Lilongwe last week, Sikwese said after conducting a needs assessment, it was discovered that there are knowledge gaps in most food manufacturers, as they are not aware of the contents of MS 21.

MS 21 of 2002 is an MBS code of conduct or code of hygiene for food and food processing units.

He said: “This training came about because the food handlers, themselves, demanded it. What goes into the body of an individual must meet all the necessary set standards because food, if not well handled, can cause illness or, in some instances, death.”

The training attracted about 35 participants, including bakers, butchers, workers from super markets and bottled water-producing companies.

Sikwese said he expects improved standards following the training session and that those trained will share the knowledge with others in their various workplaces.

One of the participants, Afzal Ahmed of Royal Butchers, said providing quality meat to customers is a must because it is food that helps build healthy nations.

According to the MBS some of the food hazards are biological, physical as well as chemical.