Many food business owners (FBOs) assume that fines are issued only when a food premise is dirty. In reality, under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, there are more than 30 regulatory requirements that Health Officers can enforce during inspections. Today, I would like to share 7 of the most common violations that food business owners often overlook—and all of them can lead to fines. The good news is that most of these requirements are simple to comply with, once you understand what inspectors are actually checking.
Food Handlers Fail to
Attend FHC or Receive Anti-Typhoid Vaccination
One of the first things Health Officers usually request during a premise inspection is:
- Food
Handler Training Course (FHC) certificates
- Anti-typhoid vaccination cards
If these documents cannot be produced, fines may be issued immediately. Some owners delay compliance because:
- They
believe inspections will not happen “so soon”
- They
want to observe new staff longer before arranging training
- They
assume part-time workers are exempt
However, Regulations 30 and 31(1) clearly state that every food handler must complete FHC and receive vaccination before starting work.
Failure to Register the
Food Premise
Many FBOs are unaware that having a business license does not replace premise registration. Food premises must be registered through FOSIM, and the registration certificate must be displayed at the premise.
Inappropriate Attire
While Handling Food
During inspections, Health Officers frequently observe food handlers:
- Not
wearing aprons
- Wearing
short pants
- Wearing
slippers
- Not
wearing head covers
Long Fingernails, Cosmetics, and Accessories
Apart from attire, personal hygiene details are closely inspected. Long fingernails, nail polish, cosmetics, and accessories increase the risk of cross-contamination.
These small details
matter more than many food handlers realize.
Food Stored on the Floor or Against the Wall
Food must be:
- At
least 20 cm above the floor
- At
least 15 cm away from walls
During busy operations, staff may place either packaged or unpackaged food directly on the floor. And perhaps, staffs do not know that this is not right, especially those who haven’t participate FHC. But
Inappropriate or Poor-Condition Equipment
Damaged, rough, or unsuitable equipment can contaminate food.
Unhygienic Food Premises
Poor cleanliness attracts pests and bacteria.
Conclusion
Under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, each offence stated above can result in a fine of up to RM10,000. Most fines are not due to major incidents—but to small, repeated non-compliances. Understanding what inspectors look for and taking early preventive action can protect both your business and your reputation.














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