The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has taken decisive action in Nausori by closing four well-known retail outlets due to serious non-compliance with sanitary regulations and poor hygiene practices following a two-week surveillance operation. The closures have been accompanied by abatement notices, and one retailer faces prosecution for violating a previous closure order.
The Food Unit of the Ministry conducted inspections on over 60 food premises during this operation, which included street vendors, canteens, and wholesalers. This underscores the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing food safety regulations to protect consumer health.
The outlets will only be permitted to reopen once they have addressed the identified health violations and received clearance from the Food Unit. Additionally, the Ministry has announced plans to extend its operations to include Navua and Korovou in the upcoming weeks, aiming for a comprehensive review of food safety across more regions.
Support from municipal council health officials has been acknowledged by the Ministry, which reminds all Food Business Operators who received abatement notices of their responsibility to comply with health requirements and to improve their service delivery.
Similar articles have highlighted ongoing enforcement actions, such as significant fines totaling approximately $14,900 against various businesses for food safety violations, with closures implemented in cases where conditions posed health risks to consumers. One notable instance involved a retail store in Rakiraki that was shut down for issues like improperly stored meat and pest infestations.
These proactive measures signal a strong commitment to maintaining high food safety standards across Fiji, fostering a trusted environment for consumers while encouraging community involvement in reporting violations. The hope is that stringent regulatory actions will enhance public health outcomes and trust in local food services, paving the way for a safer dining experience for all.
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