Nasinu Town Council increases health inspections following Consumer Council warnings on sub-quality meat sales

Following warnings issued by the Consumer Council of Fiji to supermarkets selling sub-quality meat, the Nasinu Town Council says there will be more health inspectors in Nasinu over the next few weeks to fully canvas the municipality.

The Consumer Council says four supermarkets in the Central Division have been issued warning letters for selling meat that did not meet the expected standards of quality, such as thawed or discoloured meat, broken vacuum packaging and meat infested with flies.

While responding to questions by fijivillage News, Nasinu Town Council Executive Chairman Felix Magnus says the Council monitors supermarkets once a month.

He says the Council has given 10 warning letters to supermarkets in Nasinu so far this year.

Magnus says 5 condemnation certificates were issued for premises having expired products while they gave 5 non-compliance notices for unsanitary conditions.

He says any non-compliance noticed during inspections results in the issuance of notices to food business operators advising them to comply within the given time frame and failure to comply, may result in legal actions instituted against operators.

The Executive Chair says all food business operators are required to obtain valid health licenses to operate and inspectors ensure that necessary health requirements and standards on good hygiene practices are met.

He says the Council's health team conducts routine inspections of supermarkets, and butcher shops to ensure that there is compliance and they also work closely with the Ministry of Health Food Unit team to investigate any complaints or reports and address any issues related to food safety.

Magnus adds the team conducts public awareness in community consultations.

Meanwhile, Naurosi Town Council Special Administrator Paula Navunisaravi says they have a health department within the Council that does checks at supermarkets and restaurants within the municipality twice every week.

He confirms infringement notices have also been issued to those found in breach.

Navunisaravi has assured that proper checks are being done by the Council.

We have sent questions to the Suva City Council. They are yet to respond.