A fast-food restaurant located on Cumming Street has been shut down by the Suva City Council’s Health Team due to serious health and safety violations. The closure took effect on Friday, following the restaurant’s failure to comply with an abatement notice issued the previous week, which required immediate improvements to unsanitary conditions identified during routine inspections.
Tevita Boseiwaqa, the acting chief executive officer of the Suva City Council, emphasized that the closure was necessary to protect public health. He expressed concern over the unhygienic conditions observed at the establishment, stating that they posed an intolerable risk to the community’s well-being. Despite being given multiple opportunities to rectify the issues, the restaurant management failed to implement the necessary corrective measures.
The council revealed that the establishment violated several food safety standards as outlined in the Food Safety Act 2003. It will remain closed until these violations are addressed and the restaurant passes a thorough re-inspection by council health inspectors. The council plans to conduct another inspection next week to determine if the restaurant can resume operations.
Boseiwaqa assured the public that the council would take decisive action against any food business that does not meet essential health standards. He further indicated that regular inspections would continue across the city to ensure compliance with public health regulations, reinforcing the commitment to community safety.
This measure reflects a broader trend of stringent enforcement of food safety standards observed throughout Fiji, with similar actions reported in recent months. For instance, in a related initiative, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services closed multiple retail outlets in Nausori due to hygiene violations, emphasizing the need for all food establishments to uphold safety regulations.
These ongoing enforcement actions demonstrate the commitment to safeguarding public health and fostering a culture of accountability among food service providers. The hope is that such proactive measures will lead to improved food safety standards across Fiji, ultimately ensuring a safer dining experience for the community.
The persistent efforts of health authorities to maintain food safety serve as a strong message to businesses that compliance is non-negotiable, fostering a healthier environment for consumers.
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