Concerns have arisen in Ba, Fiji, regarding the sale of expired malted chocolate drink cans, some dating back to December 1980. The issue was highlighted by Bill Obed, a Justice of Peace, who revealed in The Fiji Times on February 7, 1983, that he purchased one of these cans, which had surpassed its expiration date by more than three years. Mr. Obed reported noticing several expired cans on the supermarket shelves and reached out to the Central Board of Health for assistance, but unfortunately, he received no reply.
Mr. Obed expressed serious concerns regarding the potential health risks posed to vulnerable populations, including infants, nursing mothers, and the elderly, who may unknowingly consume these outdated products. He remarked, “Most of the people don’t look for the expiry date,” underlining his responsibility as a citizen to address such alarming practices. His intention in reaching out was to urge health authorities to take decisive action against the distribution of these expired items.
In response to the mounting concern, a representative from SMI Brand Marketing (Fiji) Ltd indicated that the responsibility for the sale of outdated products lies outside their control. They acknowledged that the drink is only valid for up to 12 months post-expiration, as per medical tests conducted in Australia. The spokesman criticized the supermarket owners for selling expired stock, deeming their actions “absolutely stupid and most unfair on the distributors.”
This incident highlights larger food safety issues in Fiji, resembling previous concerns brought to light by the Consumer Council, which reported numerous food safety violations during recent inspections. These inspections uncovered expired products and damaged goods in various supermarkets, all of which pose significant health risks to consumers. The urgency for rigorous oversight and strict adherence to food safety regulations has become increasingly apparent as communities rally for improved health and safety standards.
The situation underscores the necessity for consumer vigilance regarding food safety to protect health and reinforce trust in food products. With collaborative efforts from health authorities and consumer organizations, there is a promising outlook for enhancing food safety standards that not only safeguard individual well-being but also benefit the community as a whole.
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