The Lautoka City Council has announced a one-month grace period for food businesses in Lautoka to improve their compliance with food safety regulations. Taitusi Kata, Chairperson of the council’s special administrators, stated that 15 food establishments were issued closure orders for failing to adhere to food safety abatement notices. In an effort to support compliance, the council organized a food safety awareness workshop, informing businesses about the necessary requirements and standards they need to meet.
Kata emphasized the importance of cooperation among food businesses and regulatory bodies during inspections, aiming to ensure the safety of food sold to consumers. After the grace period, the council plans to enforce the food safety laws, which may include issuing further closure orders and taking legal actions against non-compliant businesses.
The council’s proactive approach aligns with broader efforts seen recently, where the Ministry of Health also imposed fines on businesses across Fiji for food safety violations. In particular, the ministry had previously issued penalties totaling approximately $14,900 on seven businesses for failing to meet health regulations, highlighting a strong emphasis on enforcing public health standards.
This combined effort from local authorities underscores the commitment to fostering safe food environments, ultimately enhancing consumer welfare. Community engagement remains critical, as local residents are encouraged to report any violations they encounter, contributing to a collective aim for better food safety across the region.
With the upcoming festive seasons, the council’s focus on food safety is especially pertinent, as it helps ensure that food served during celebrations is safe for consumption. By improving compliance and standards in food businesses, there is optimism that the local dining experience will become better and safer for all residents.
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