Council warns traders
SUPPLIERS and supermarkets are to refrain from selling rotten fruits, vegetables and putrid meat.
This warning comes from Consumer Council of Fiji this festive season after joint inspections with municipal councils revealed some suppliers and supermarkets were not complying with the Food Safety Act 2003 and Food Safety Regulation 2009.
According to a statement from the CCF they discovered issues such as poor lighting within the warehouse which prohibited sanitary practices as well as staff members working without hairnets, face masks and hand gloves.
It was also discovered, food was being packed under insanitary conditions as some were even unfit for consumption.
The council stated these included meat, rotten potatoes and onions.
“Upon the council’s intervention, the health inspectors condemned the rotten potatoes, onions and putrid meat,” stated the CCF.
“These unscrupulous traders and suppliers were also issued with abatement notices to ensure compliance.
“Moreover, it is evident that some supermarkets are re-packaging and selling partially rotten produce.”
The council added supermarkets were cutting out the rotten portions of the fruits and vegetables before repacking them and selling them to consumers at a lower price.
“What’s worrying is that some of the retail outlets who are habitual offenders just get away with a slap on the wrist with a warning letter.
“Therefore, the council is calling for harsher penalties for traders who ignore fair trading and food safety laws for commercial gains particularly those traders who are repeat offenders,” the council said.