STLM temporarily closes spaza shops due to uncleanliness
A successful joint effort by various government departments saw spaza shops inspected by health inspectors and Steve Tshwete Law Enforcers in Malope Village, Newtown and Mhluzi.
Out of 22 tuck shops visited, nine were closed on Tuesday due to non-compliance, while the inspections aimed at addressing public health and safety.
The municipality said that the inspections included the verification of asylum seeker documentation, prevention of the sale of illegal goods, evaluation of fire safety measures, scrutiny of adherence to food and disinfectant regulations, and proper waste disposal practices.
During the operation, health inspectors evaluated 13 food premises, leading to the temporary closure of four businesses due to cleanliness concerns.
The operation also targeted businesses operating without valid licences, resulting in notices issued to nine businesses and subsequent closures. Town planning violations and the absence of essential fire equipment were addressed, with notices being issued to non-compliant businesses.
This operation comes in the wake of reports of a rise in incidents involving the alleged consumption of poisonous and expired foods which are sold at some spaza shops.
