EMPD clamps down on non-compliant businesses

The EMPD’s Bronberg By-Laws Unit shut down an illegal meat processing business in Petit on September 4.

They found the business had violated many municipal by-laws and environmental health laws.

EMPD spokesperson Kelebogile Thepa said the officers acted in response to a complaint about air pollution, unhealthy food production and raising livestock in a way that disturbed the community on a plot on Rooikat Street.

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“On arrival, officers discovered a severe lack of proper hygiene practices and slaughtered animal intestines stored in a hole that resulted in toxic odour.”

According to Thepa, the company lacked the necessary zoning, a certificate of acceptance and a trading licence to operate on the property.

“Further investigation revealed that the enterprise produced pork sausages and boerewors products in violation of several municipal by-laws and environmental health laws.”

She said the officers summoned the Environmental Health Department to begin legal action against the business owner, immediately stopped all business operations and shut down the establishment.

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“The EMPD encourages business owners to contact the relevant departments, such as the Economic Development Department and Environmental Health Department, to seek assistance on compliance to operate their businesses legally,” said Thepa.