Fiji’s Food Safety Overhaul: Will Bad Businesses Be Named?

The Ministry of Trade is currently reviewing the Food Safety Act and the Consumer Council Act in an effort to combat unethical business practices in Fiji. One of the significant limitations of the current laws is their inability to facilitate the public naming of businesses that engage in misconduct. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, has announced that the government is considering legislative changes to enhance transparency and accountability among businesses.

Kamikamica expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality food, stating, “So hopefully, whatever needs to be done to sort of teach that particular supermarket a lesson is done.” Last year, the government took action against three supermarkets, temporarily closing them due to violations of food safety regulations.

The proposed amendments to the legislation would empower the public to identify and report supermarkets that engage in unethical practices, thereby holding them accountable for their actions. This initiative aligns with previous efforts by the Consumer Council of Fiji, which has been advocating for stricter oversight of businesses. The Council has previously not disclosed specific names of problematic business entities, reflecting a gap in the current regulatory framework that the government aims to address.

Reports from inspections highlight ongoing issues related to food safety compliance in supermarkets across Fiji, including instances of expired goods and unsanitary conditions that compromise consumer safety. The Consumer Council has emphasized the importance of ethical business practices, urging traders to prioritize consumer welfare over short-term profits.

These discussions represent a hopeful trend towards improved food safety practices within Fiji. As both the government and consumer advocacy groups push for reform, there is potential for a more reliable marketplace that ensures healthier options and protects consumer rights. Encouragingly, the combined efforts of regulatory bodies and consumer vigilance can foster a positive environment for both consumers and ethical businesses in the retail sector.