Nine tuckshops closed as food safety and compliance enforcement intensified
Similar operations will be done to ensure that businesses within Ngwathe's borders comply with relevant laws, the municipality said.
Multidisciplinary teams conducted inspections at several tuckshops and food outlets in both Parys and Tumahole on February 4, in a decisive move to protect public health and uphold the law with regard to foodborne compliance.
The operation was led by Tumahole Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Juanita Jansen van Rensburg and strengthened by the presence of the Ngwathe Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Victoria de Beer-Mthombeni.
Police members were accompanied by officials of the Ngwathe Local Municipality, Environmental Health, the Department of Home Affairs, and Community Policing Forum (CPF) members.
The operation focused on ensuring strict adherence to food safety regulations, immigration legislation, and tobacco control laws, while reinforcing law and order and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani emphasised that the operation sought to promote a culture of compliance among business operators within the district.
Expired food products were identified and removed from shelves to prevent potential health risks to the public.
Illicit cigarettes were also seized, and documentation of foreign nationals verified, leading to the arrest and subsequent deportation of individuals found to be in contravention of immigration laws.
Non-compliant businesses were issued with fines and warnings, while owners and employees were educated on food safety standards and tobacco control regulations to encourage lawful business practices.
Four fines were issued for counterfeit goods (illicit cigarettes), one traffic fine was issued, and nine tuckshops closed.
This week, a joint stakeholders’ operation in Heilbron also ensured compliance with relevant regulations and standards for spaza shops and electricity consumption.
The mayor confirmed that these operations will continue to ensure that businesses within Ngwathe’s borders comply with relevant laws.
She added that the operations are key to enhancing revenue collection as part of the municipality’s efforts to improve service delivery.
