Over 130 inspections and survey expose serious food safety failures in Fiji

Fiji has launched a crackdown on food safety violations after a survey of 111 restaurants and over 130 joint inspections last year uncovered widespread breaches — from pest infestations to expired licenses — that threaten public health and demand urgent, decisive enforcement.

Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications, Shaheen Ali revealed alarming findings during the opening of a high-level food safety workshop in Suva.

Ali says nearly half of the surveyed restaurants lacked valid health licenses, over 80 percent failed to display food grading certificates, and some showed signs of pest infestation.

He stresses that these are not just numbers — they are serious signals that demand decisive action to protect public health.

He says the inspections were led by the newly established National Food Safety Task Force, a multi-agency team backed by the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Trade, and local councils.

He adds that the task force has already shut down non-compliant businesses and escalated public complaints that were previously ignored or delayed.

The Permanent Secretary says food safety complaints, which were once overlooked, are now being addressed promptly.

He adds that this is what an accountable system looks like — responsive, coordinated, and citizen-focused.

Ali emphasized that food safety reforms are not just about regulations but about restoring trust — in the labels people read, the shops they visit, and the food they serve their families.

He outlined four key pillars of a modern national food control system which include legislation, enforcement, laboratory testing and communication.

Ali noted that while Fiji has sound legislation in place, enforcement has historically been inconsistent and fragmented, laboratory systems are outdated or overstretched, and public awareness remains low.

He says the government, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization, is investing in lab testing, enforcement training, and digital tools to modernize food safety.

Ali urged all stakeholders to seize the momentum of the workshop and commit to systemic reform.

He says that they want a food safety system that actually works — one that prevents harm, supports responsible businesses, holds bad actors accountable, and is trusted by citizens and respected by overseas partners.