Recent inspections at a well-known wholesaler in Suva have unveiled disturbing findings, including the presence of maggots and cockroach eggs in expired canned products. This alarming discovery occurred during a routine inspection conducted by the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCF), the Ministry of Health, and the Suva City Council following a tip-off from a concerned customer.
In light of the findings, the Ministry of Health has condemned the affected products and is moving forward with issuing an Abatement Notice to the wholesaler. CCF’s Chief Executive Officer, Seema Shandil, noted that the complaint was centered on the sale of dented cans to small retail outlets, which had previously been returned by larger retailers like supermarkets due to their poor condition.
The inspection revealed numerous food safety violations at the wholesaler, which included 115 instances of expired food items and 79 cases of damaged cans for various products such as mackerel, peeled tomatoes, baked beans, sweet corn, coconut cream, and corned mutton. The most alarming find was at least one carton containing 48 cans of tinned fish infested with maggots and cockroach eggs.
As a response to these serious violations, the Ministry of Health is requiring the immediate removal and destruction of all expired and unsafe goods. The CCF is urging all food retailers and wholesalers to adhere strictly to food safety standards to avoid severe legal repercussions. Ms. Shandil emphasized the responsibility of wholesalers to ensure consumer health and safety, stating that any disregard for these standards will not be tolerated.
Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant when purchasing food products and to report any potential violations of safety standards. These troubling revelations highlight the urgent need for discussions surrounding consumer health and safety, as they challenge the integrity of the food supply system and prompt considerations of existing regulations.
This situation serves as a crucial reminder of the risks present within the food supply chain and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing food safety to protect community health and restore confidence in the food industry.