A major retail shop in Rakiraki Town was issued a closure order due to ongoing compliance issues, while seven businesses were fined heftily following enforcement actions by Health Inspectors from the Ministry of Health Food Unit.
The Health Ministry says this recent crackdown highlights the critical need for compliance with local regulations to ensure public health and safety.
They say their findings during their inspection in Rakiraki included meat with freezer burn, softness and foul odours.
The Ministry says freezers were operating outside the required temperature range with non-working gauges, inadequate cleaning, temperature, pest control records, presence of weevils, cockroaches and other pests in storage areas and on shelves and unsanitary conditions in butcher shops and retail areas.
Head of the Food Unit, Taina Rauvala, says the seven business owners, including a coffee shop, takeaway and retail establishment, two retail, takeaway businesses and street vendors, were issued to pay $14,900 in fines.
Raulala says these findings underscore their commitment to ensuring that businesses adhere to necessary licensing requirements and maintain high standards in the community.
She says their unit will continue to enforce these vital regulations and support lawful business operations.
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