A food seller was fined RM700 by the Magistrates’ Court here today after pleading guilty to selling sushi contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Khairul Fazlan Ab Aziz, 33, admitted to the offence after the charge was read before Magistrate Iffah Nabihah Mohd Ishak.
The court also ordered the accused to serve one month in jail if he failed to pay the fine.
Based on the charge, Khairul Fazlan was accused of selling ready-to-eat food, namely Sushi Miniroll Chicken Floss, to an authorised officer at the Sungai Tarom Ramadan Bazaar in Bandar Permaisuri, Setiu, at about 4.50pm on Feb 22.
Laboratory analysis found that the food contained Staphylococcus aureus bacteria at a level of 5.5 × 10² CFU/g, causing it to be classified as contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms.
The offence carries a maximum fine of RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both upon conviction.
The prosecution was handled by Prosecuting Officer Nik Muhammad Hanif Nik Abdull Halim, while the accused was not represented by a lawyer.
In his submission, Nik Muhammad Hanif said enforcement action was necessary to ensure food sold to the public complied with safety and hygiene standards.
