Concerns have emerged regarding the sale of expired malted chocolate drink cans dating back to December 1980 in supermarkets in Ba, Fiji. A Justice of Peace, Bill Obed, brought attention to this issue in The Fiji Times on February 7, 1983, claiming he purchased one of the cans that had already surpassed its expiration date by over three years. Mr. Obed noted that he observed multiple cans with overdue dates on shelves and took the initiative to contact the Central Board of Health but reported receiving no response.
Highlighting the risks involved, Mr. Obed expressed grave concerns for vulnerable populations such as infants, nursing mothers, and invalids, who might be consuming these outdated products. He stated, “Most of the people don’t look for the expiry date,” and emphasized his duty as a citizen to address unsafe practices. Mr. Obed’s correspondence aimed at convincing health authorities to take action against the sale of these expired goods.
In response to these concerns, a spokesman for SMI Brand Marketing (Fiji) Ltd stated that the situation surrounding the sale of the outdated product was beyond their control. They acknowledged the drink’s validity extends only up to 12 months after the expiration date, as confirmed by medical tests conducted in Australia. The spokesman criticized store owners for carrying outdated stock, describing their actions as “absolutely stupid and most unfair on the distributors.”
This situation is reflective of broader food safety issues within Fiji, notably similar concerns raised by the Consumer Council regarding multiple food safety violations discovered in recent inspections. These inspections revealed expired products and instances of damaged goods across various supermarkets, prompting significant health risks. The need for stringent monitoring and adherence to food safety standards has never been clearer as communities come together to advocate for their health and safety.
These incidents demonstrate the importance of vigilance in food standards to protect consumer health and reinforce public trust in food products. With ongoing efforts from health authorities and consumer organizations, there is hope for improvements in food safety that will benefit the community at large.
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