Concerns have arisen after the discovery of maggots and cockroach eggs in cartons of expired canned goods during a recent inspection of a prominent wholesaler. The inspection, conducted in Suva by the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCF), the Ministry of Health, and the Suva City Council, was prompted by a tip-off from a customer.
As a result, the Ministry of Health has condemned the impacted products and issued an Abatement Notice to the wholesaler. This situation poses significant health risks for consumers.
Seema Shandil, the CEO of CCF, highlighted that the tip-off indicated the wholesaler was selling dented cans to small retailers and canteens, despite these products having been previously returned by larger traders, including supermarkets, due to their compromised state.
The inspection revealed numerous violations of food safety regulations, with 115 expired food products and 79 damaged cans or containers, including items such as mackerel, peeled tomatoes, baked beans, sweet corn, coconut cream, and corned mutton. However, the most alarming findings were the maggots and cockroach eggs found in a carton containing 48 cans of tinned fish.
In light of these severe food safety breaches, the Ministry of Health is demanding the immediate removal and destruction of all unsafe and expired products. CCF is now urging food retailers and wholesalers to adhere strictly to food safety standards to avoid dire legal repercussions.
Ms. Shandil emphasized the responsibility of wholesalers to ensure the well-being of consumers, stating that any violations would not be tolerated. Additionally, the Council encouraged consumers to be vigilant while purchasing food items and to report any suspected food safety violations.
This incident calls into question the integrity of the food supply chain and the effectiveness of existing regulations. It serves as a crucial reminder of the potential hazards in the food system and underscores the importance of prioritizing food safety to protect community health and restore trust in the food supply. The community is urged to demand and uphold the highest standards while holding individuals and businesses accountable.