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

The Ministry of Trade is currently undertaking a review of the Food Safety Act and the Consumer Council Act in an effort to enhance transparency and address unethical practices by businesses in Fiji. A significant gap in existing legislation is that it does not permit the public identification of businesses engaging in deceitful conduct, which has led to issues in holding such entities accountable.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, has indicated that legislative changes are being considered to allow for increased scrutiny of businesses and the possibility of naming and shaming those found guilty of unethical practices. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that consumers receive food of good quality, highlighting previous actions taken, such as the temporary closure of three supermarkets last year for non-compliance with food safety regulations.

Additionally, the Consumer Council of Fiji has voiced the need for businesses to prioritize ethical practices over short-term profits. This call has gained traction amid rising consumer complaints related to issues like improper labeling, misleading sales tactics, and the sale of expired or substandard goods. The Council has intensified its market surveillance to ensure compliance with food safety standards, even collaborating with health authorities following numerous reports of food safety violations.

Reports from multiple inspections have brought to light the harsh reality of food safety compliance in Fiji, illustrating instances of supermarkets selling expired goods and the presence of pests in food storage areas. Such findings underscore the need for robust consumer protection and accountability within the food sector.

There is an encouraging trend, as both regulatory bodies and consumers are rallying for higher standards of food safety and ethical business conduct. This collaboration is expected to foster a more reliable marketplace, ultimately benefiting consumers and responsible businesses alike. The ongoing discussions for legislative change and the collective vigilance of the Consumer Council and the Ministry of Health reflect a hopeful outlook for enhancing food safety standards in Fiji’s retail environment. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report any unethical practices to ensure that their rights are protected and that food safety is upheld within the marketplace.