A recent inspection in Suva has revealed multiple food safety violations by a prominent wholesaler, including the sale of expired food items and damaged canned goods, with some products containing maggots and cockroach eggs.
The inspection was conducted yesterday by the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCF), the Ministry of Health, and the Suva City Council following a consumer tip-off. As a result of the findings, the health ministry condemned the affected products and issued an Abatement Notice to the wholesaler.
The CCF has issued a stern warning to food retailers and wholesalers to adhere to food safety regulations or face serious legal repercussions. During the inspection, inspectors found maggots and cockroach eggs in a box of expired canned goods.
The tip-off highlighted concerns regarding the sale of dented cans to small retail outlets and canteens, which had previously been returned by larger retailers, including supermarkets, due to their compromised condition. CCF’s chief executive officer, Seema Shandil, noted that the inspection uncovered numerous food safety violations, prompting immediate action by the Ministry of Health.
Among the violations were 115 cases of expired food products and 79 instances of damaged cans and containers, including mackerel, peeled tomatoes, baked beans, sweet corn, coconut cream, and corned mutton. Most alarming was the discovery of maggots and cockroach eggs in a carton containing 48 cans of tinned fish.
In light of these significant breaches, the Ministry of Health has condemned the unsafe products and is enforcing the Abatement Notice, which mandates the immediate removal and destruction of all expired and unsafe goods.
The Consumer Council is urging all food retailers and wholesalers to comply with food safety standards, emphasizing that any violations are intolerable and unacceptable. They also encourage consumers to remain cautious when purchasing food items and report any suspected violations of food safety standards.