Food businesses are being urged to enhance their safety measures by installing surveillance cameras in storage and preparation areas. This recommendation follows a concerning incident involving a frog found in a 10kg bag of rice from a local company, which was determined to be the result of deliberate employee sabotage.
Shalend Singh, head of the Lautoka City Council Services, emphasized that this situation should serve as a wake-up call for food operators to reassess their food handling protocols and security practices. During a recent Food Safety Awareness session, Singh remarked on the need for vigilance from business owners, noting that incidents of misconduct by employees can jeopardize customer safety.
Singh also reminded food businesses that selling adulterated or contaminated food is a serious violation under the Food Safety Act. Underlining the importance of food safety compliance, recent actions taken by the Lautoka City Council include increasing inspections and education programs for food operators, aligning with the broader trend seen across Fiji.
In earlier reports, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services had intensified its focus on food safety as well, imposing fines totaling nearly $15,000 on seven businesses for various violations. The collective efforts from various health authorities and local councils present a concerted push to ensure public safety and encourage food businesses to adhere strictly to hygiene regulations.
These actions highlight the growing recognition of the importance of food safety in protecting public health, especially as efforts increase to engage local communities in reporting violations. The ongoing commitment from health officials and local authorities holds promise for a future where consumers can trust in the safety and quality of their food, fostering a healthier dining environment throughout Fiji.
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