Registered dietitian Ng Kar Foo said preparing food in abundance during the festive season symbolises prosperity, togetherness and blessings for the year ahead. “Planning portions wisely and finishing food safely honours both tradition and sustainability; true prosperity benefits health, family, and the environment,” he added. Prof Dr Sharifa said raw and half-cooked food and those cooked with milk or coconut milk tend to turn bad quickly. For example, having raw meat and blood next to cooked food,” she said. She said food borne illnesses are generally caused by pathogens, namely bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as toxins that contaminate food.

Source: The Star February 08, 2026 11:48 UTC