By A joint inspection in Suva has unveiled a shocking breach of food safety standards by a prominent wholesaler, raising serious concerns about consumer health. The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Suva City Council, discovered multiple violations, including expired products and contaminated canned goods. The findings prompted swift action from authorities.
Tip-off Leads to Inspection
The discovery came after a tip-off from a concerned consumer. Authorities responded by conducting a random inspection at the wholesaler’s premises in Suva. This inspection revealed several food safety violations that led to immediate condemnation of the affected goods. According to Seema Shandil, CEO of CCF, “The tip-off raised concerns regarding the sale of dented cans to small retail shops and canteens, after these products had previously been returned by large-scale traders, including supermarkets.”
These concerns were not without merit. The inspection found damaged cans and containers that had already been returned by larger retailers, now being resold to smaller outlets. Some of the cans even contained maggots and cockroach eggs, causing a public outcry.
Health Ministry Condemns Unsafe Products
The Ministry of Health has taken immediate action against the wholesaler. They condemned the affected products, which included:
- Expired canned goods
- Damaged containers of mackerel, peeled tomatoes, baked beans, sweet corn, coconut cream, and corned mutton
- Contaminated tinned fish with maggots and cockroach eggs
In total, 115 expired products and 79 damaged containers were identified during the inspection. Most alarming was the discovery of a carton containing 48 cans of tinned fish infested with maggots and cockroach eggs.
Violations Found During Inspection
| Violation | Number of Instances |
|---|---|
| Expired Food Products | 115 |
| Damaged Cans/Containers | 79 |
| Maggot-Infested Tinned Fish | 48 |
The Ministry of Health has issued an Abatement Notice, demanding the immediate removal and destruction of all unsafe and expired goods. This enforcement measure is designed to ensure consumer safety and prevent any further sale of compromised products.
CCF Issues Stern Warning to Wholesalers
In response to the inspection, the CCF has issued a strong warning to food wholesalers and retailers to comply with food safety standards. Ms. Shandil emphasized that any breach of these standards is unacceptable and will lead to severe legal consequences. “It is the duty of wholesalers to safeguard the health and well-being of consumers, and any breaches of these standards are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” she said.
The council is urging all food suppliers to take food safety seriously and comply with legal requirements. They also encouraged consumers to stay vigilant when purchasing food items and to report any suspicious violations.
Consumers Urged to Stay Alert
The recent food safety scandal has left many Fijian consumers wary. Authorities are urging shoppers to double-check expiration dates and packaging integrity when purchasing canned goods. With incidents like this, consumer vigilance is crucial to prevent health hazards caused by contaminated or expired food products. Any concerns should be reported to the CCF or local health authorities.