Non-compliant spaza shops to be slapped with hefty fines or prohibition orders
Consumers are urged to seek more information to differentiate between expired, sell-by, and use-by dates on the goods they consume.
Local spaza shops that don’t comply with the informal trading by-laws will be issued with prohibition orders for the premises to be closed.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said when metro officials find that a shop owner is flaunting the regulations, they will be given a notice or a fine.
“A stipulated timeframe is allocated for corrective action. Should non-compliance continue, then prohibition orders for closure of the food premises will be issued if a serious health threat has been identified,” Mashigo said.
According to the food legislation, no one is allowed to transport, display, prepare, sell or even store food without a Certificate of Acceptability (COA).
The metro’s warning comes after growing concern from residents over the selling of expired goods by local shops in their respective areas.
To curb the selling and consumption of expired goods, the metro embarked on a multidisciplinary operation, where a team focuses solely on business and health compliance by all spaza shops and wholesalers.
Earlier in the week, health MMC Rina Marx welcomed the operation.
“I welcome the recent inspections amid growing concern over food safety. This follows recent incidents of food poisoning among school-going children.
“I would like to reaffirm that such joint inspections need to be led by Municipal Health Services (MHS),” Marx said.
She said food safety inspections were highly regulated in terms of legislation intended to be carried out by experienced and trained Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP).
“Going forward, the health department remains committed to sustaining its involvement in these joint inspections.
“Compliance with health regulations when it comes to food safety is critically important and is for the protection of the public,” reiterated Marx.
Residents are encouraged to seek more information so they can differentiate between expired, use-by, and sell-by dates to ensure they do not purchase or consume spoiled products.
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