IN LIGHT of rising food poisoning incidents across the country, the Amanzimtoti Community Police Forum (ACPF) has warned residents to report shops that sell expired merchandise.

Also read: Shops checked for compliance in Amanzimtoti and Isipingo

Over the past few weeks, incidents of children being hospitalised after consuming foods bought at certain spaza shops have made headlines. In Doonside, a supermarket was fined and temporarily closed after it was found to be selling expired products. In Illovo township, eThekwini Municipality inspectors paid an unannounced visit to a spaza shop. While no expired food was found, the owner was in the country illegally and his business was flouting some by-laws.

ACPF chairperson Merlene Matthew said that fake and expired products are detrimental to children’s and adults’ health.

“The manufacturers would not have put an expiry date if it was not important,” said Matthew.

The Department of Basic Education recently expressed concern about the increase in the number of learners hospitalised for food poisoning in recent weeks.

“The Department of Basic Education appreciates the work being done by various government departments and other organs of state to address the matter,” it said in a statement.

Matthew said that a shop selling expired goods can be reported to metro police on 031 361 0000.

“Get a reference number and the name of the officer you spoke to and forward it to me to follow up, or send me photos with the shop’s location, and I will report it. To take back our country, we all need to become active citizens,” she said.

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