Fiji’s Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government has embarked on an operation to address food safety issues.
This is to protect the general consumers from food borne illness and diseases especially during this festive and cyclone season.
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Called the ‘Operation Kakana’, the Ministry of Health will liaise with respective health offices at various rural local authorities including town and city councils, health officers and the Consumer Council of Fiji.
Any trader found guilty of breach of Food safety Act and Regulations will be prosecuted.
The fines are from minimum of $5000 to maximum of $50,000 (US$2,339 – US$25,000) and imprisonment from 1 year to 10 years or both.
“As we are in the month of December which predominantly is a festive month not only for Fiji but also for the region, we also need to be made aware of the associated food safety risks usually related to the sales of food during this festive season.
Often consumers usually purchase foods which have date marking such as best before and expiry dates well expired and are on sales without their knowledge. These simple mistakes can be avoided or prevented if consumers have some basic understanding of the food safety tips which they need to know prior to make any decision in buying during this time.” said Minister for Health Rosy Akbar .
“The sale of safe food are first and foremost the responsibilities of food business operators. It is also the responsibility of any consumer to know how safe the food he she is purchasing to avoid preventable food borne illness and diseases that negatively impact our health and economy.” SOURCE: FIJI TV/PACNEWS [/restrict]