AT LEAST five restaurants in Hamad Town have been warned to get their act together when it comes to complying with health and hygiene regulations ... or they will face official sanctions.
The outlets, along with another seven businesses, including cold stores and traditional bakeries, have been given two weeks’ grace to ‘rectify’ concerns raised by Public Health inspectors yesterday, during a field inspection, organised by the Northern Municipal Council.
“The most common violations included the improper wearing of gloves and face masks by staff at these shops … and kitchen counters at restaurants and cafeterias lacking sufficient cleanliness,” Public Health Directorate senior inspector Haider Khalil Salman told the GDN.
Restaurants warned for flouting health and hygiene violations
“We have given them two weeks to correct these issues or they will face the consequences, including the possibility of having their licenses revoked.”
Other violations spotted included products being displayed without an expiry date, the ‘unhygienic appearance’ of restaurant workers and also dirty kitchen utensils.
“Gloves and face masks must be worn properly and this has always been the case – even before the pandemic,” said Mr Salman.
“The chances of cross contamination multiples when the worker uses the same glove from the beginning to the end of the day – it is just not hygienic – and risks spreading bacteria from meat to vegetables.
“All equipment and tools used to prepare the food must also be approved as safe to use, and the environment must be suitable – windows should not be left open as that could let in bugs and insects.”
The inspection covered shops located in four complexes across Block 1208 and were checked for other regulations by judicial officers from the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry, Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and the Northern Municipality.
Area councillor Mohammed Al Dhaen said the inspection followed complaints voiced by residents over cleanliness issues.
“We arranged the inspection in co-ordination with inspectors from Northern Municipality, public health, LMRA and Industry and Commerce Ministry,” he explained.
“It is a relief that there were no major violations uncovered that demanded strict action but the shops and restaurants have been given warnings over violations which were of public concern.”
Among the violations registered by the Northern Municipality inspectors was the improper display of advertisements.
“Some cafeterias had placed their ads on the pavements and parking lot, which were removed,” said inspector Ibrahim Khalil.
LMRA inspectors confirmed that they did not register any violations concerning the workers.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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