The Consumer Council of Fiji has revealed alarming non-compliance issues in food establishments across the country, raising significant concerns about consumer safety as the festive season approaches. Following targeted inspections of 220 eateries, including restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, officials discovered serious hygiene violations and breaches of food safety regulations.
Many kitchens were reported to be in unhygienic conditions, with greasy floors, dirty preparation surfaces, and equipment encrusted with grime. Disturbing practices were observed, such as food handling without gloves or hairnets, and a high risk of cross-contamination due to the improper storage of raw and cooked foods. Dirty utensils were reused without proper cleaning, while food was found stored in broken or unsanitary freezers. Furthermore, uncovered rubbish bins attracted insects, exacerbating the problem.
The inspection uncovered rotten and moldy ingredients in several kitchens, with spoiled meat and poultry found at unsafe temperatures, emitting foul odors. Fresh produce, including potatoes, onions, and leafy greens, was also seen in a state of decay yet was still being prepared for use.
Alongside these hygiene issues, numerous breaches of licensing requirements were identified. Many establishments operated without valid Health Licences, Business Registration Certificates, or NFA Certificates. The presence of expired items and misleading product labels raised concerns of potential tampering.
Council Chief Executive Seema Shandil expressed deep concern over the negligence observed during the inspections. “Consumers trust that the meals they purchase are prepared in clean and safe settings, but the level of negligence we have seen is simply disgraceful,” she stated.
Shandil emphasized that a comprehensive report detailing these findings will be sent to the Ministry of Health, with recommendations for necessary enforcement actions. The Council is collaborating with municipal councils and health inspectors to address these issues.
As the festive season demands rise, Shandil cautioned that food safety, proper licensing, and hygienic practices are non-negotiable. The Council urges consumers to be vigilant when selecting dining options and to report any unsafe or questionable food practices through the National Consumer Helpline 155 or their official social media platforms.
This call to action highlights the Council’s commitment to ensuring that consumers enjoy safe dining experiences, particularly during a time when the demand for food services significantly increases.
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