Malays. Appl. Biol. (2017) 46(3): 1–7
A REVIEW ON INCIDENCES OF FOODBORNE DISEASES AND
INTERVENTIONS FOR A BETTER NATIONAL FOOD
SAFETY SYSTEM IN MALAYSIA
WAHIDA SALLEH1,2, MOHD NIZAM LANI1*, WAN ZAWIAH WAN ABDULLAH1,
TUAN ZAINAZOR TUAN CHILEK1 and ZAITON HASSAN3
1School of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT),
21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
2Food Safety and Quality Division Terengganu, 21200 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
3Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM),
Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
*Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Accepted 20 September 2017, Published online 4 October 2017
ABSTRACT
This paper reviews the trend and possible contributing factors that cause the incidence of foodborne illnesses as it is the major concern of food safety issues in Malaysia. Surveillance and monitoring done by the enforcement authorities have improved the food safety as the percentage of contravened samples and food premises closures have been decreased. Some factors that contribute to the emergence of the foodborne pathogens are cross contamination of foods and food handlers, eating behaviour and technology, globalisation, antimicrobial resistance bacteria and climate change. Main problems that contribute to the high rates of foodborne illnesses are poor practices of food handlers and lack of public awareness. Various interventions have been initiated by the Food Safety and Quality Division, Ministry of Health (MoH) to improve national food safety system through food handlers training programme, the establishment of Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FOSIM) and Malaysia Foodborne Disease Network (MyFoodNet) as parts of strengthening the surveillance system and improving the effective enforcement of legislation and regulations. Continous collaboration between government and private sectors are crucial for a sustainable improvement for a better health of the nation.
Key words: Foodborne diseases, surveillance, globalization, antimicrobial resistance bacteria, climate change
