Fresh concerns have surfaced against a prominent bakery for sale of stale and mouldy bread

Fresh concerns have surfaced against a prominent bakery for the sale of stale and mouldy bread.

This prominent bakery has not been named by the Consumer Council of Fiji which says several consumers in the past two weeks have lodged complaints with them after noticing “fungal growth” on bread just purchased.

The Consumer Council of Fiji says it is evident some bakeries are seeking to get rid of old stock with a lack of regard for consumer health and the value of their money.

In a snap survey of some bakeries last week, the Consumer Council of Fiji found issues of improper handling and storage of bread.

It found bread left exposed without proper coverings and bakery staff who were handling the bread were not wearing gloves.

The Consumer Council of Fiji says another worrying issue is that only a few out of the many bakeries operating in Fiji sell bread and pastries containing “baked - on” dates.

The bake-on date shows the day on which the bread or pastry is made.

Chief Executive Officer Seema Shandil says many consumers are stretching their finances to ensure they can always put food on the table with the meagre resources that they have.

She stresses every cent matters at this time.