The Lautoka City Council is taking a firm stand on food safety by actively enforcing regulations and raising awareness among food businesses. Council Administrators Chair Taitusi Rasoki revealed that 47 businesses have been prosecuted in the past for food safety violations. Earlier this year, one establishment faced a hefty $5,000 fine due to unsanitary conditions, alongside an additional $2,000 penalty for operating without a valid license.
As part of their proactive approach, the Council is running targeted awareness programs aimed at educating eatery and bakery owners about compliance with food safety standards. Rasoki noted that 15 closure orders were issued to businesses that failed to comply with food safety abatement notices. Through these initiatives, the Council aims to ensure that food businesses understand and adhere to the critical requirements necessary to operate safely.
To allow businesses time for improvements, a grace period of one month has been designated for compliance. Rasoki emphasized the Council’s commitment to enforcing food safety regulations and stated that inspections would be conducted regularly, particularly during festive seasons to ensure that food sold to the public is safe and of good quality.
This initiative aligns with a broader trend seen across Fiji, where the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has also heightened its enforcement of food safety regulations. Recently, several businesses were fined a total of approximately $14,900 for various violations, underscoring the importance of maintaining safe food practices to protect consumers.
Such rigorous action fosters a healthier dining environment and promises to enhance public trust in local food services. Engaging the community in reporting violations supports these efforts, ensuring a collaborative approach to food safety that ultimately benefits everyone.
The ongoing commitment from both local authorities and health ministries reflects a hopeful trajectory toward improving food standards across Fiji, ensuring that all citizens can enjoy safe, high-quality meals.
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