Selling of expired products by traders is of great concern

THE current business practices of some informal and formal small businesses is of great concern.

The frequent sale of expired foodstuffs by errant traders is a big health risk.

Tinned food such as baked beans, potato chips, porridge, pasta and biscuits are only some of the many products that are sold long past their expiry date.

In some instances, the item has been expired for some two years. While some traders sell such products unknowingly, the vast majority seem to be well aware that these products are no longer fit for human consumption.

They know that they are paying below cost price for these items and can therefore sell them on at very low prices, while still making a decent profit. Some are even experts at removing or changing the original expiry date and replacing it with a new one.

Selling fast foods and fresh meat products in dirty shops and stalls; using old ingredients to prepare food; or applying unhygienic practices during the direct handling of these foodstuffs all put people at risk of contracting disease. All these are potential sources of infection to unsuspecting consumers of these items.

Increasing sales and maximising profits, however, seem to be the only concern of traders. They are clearly taking advantage of customers, who rely on low prices to make their budgets stretch further.

Who will be held liable for serious illness or loss of life if a direct link is found between this and the wares of a particular errant trader?

Is the confiscation of expired products or a fine adequate sanction? Should their trading licences not be suspended for a few years?

How effective are environmental health authorities in protecting the public with regards to food safety?

Is the City Council or provincial government exercising sufficient oversight?

Do their records reflect that all approved food outlets are inspected at least once a year, to determine the safety of foodstuffs and hygiene of the preparation environment?

Would we even be having this problem in the first place if inspections were comprehensive and regular, and done by suitably qualified officials? G CONTALDI Tafelsig

AMINA Varachia, from Ottery, submitted this picture taken with a cellphone from a moving car on the N2. Send us your pictures to arglet@inl. co.za. Pictures must be accompanied by your full name, address, contact details and a short caption.