MEC Maile disappointed after finding expired food during inspections of Soweto supermarkets! Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile expressed disappointment after inspections at several supermarkets in Soweto revealed poor hygiene practices, expired goods, and other violations.
These inspections, conducted on Monday, were part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to ensure compliance with business registration and food safety regulations.
Inspection Findings
Officials visited three mainstream supermarket stores in the township, where a range of alarming violations were uncovered. A storeroom at one of the supermarkets in Moroka was found to be infested with rats, raising significant health concerns. In addition to the rodent problem, expired food items and products without labels were found in several other stores.
Maile expressed his frustration with the findings, emphasizing that such practices are unacceptable, particularly in establishments serving local communities.
“We are disappointed because we expected that the shops will hold high standards, that they will be hygienic, and that we will not find expired goods. We have found expired goods in both shops, and those expired goods have been taken off the shelves,” Maile said.
Health and Safety Violations
The presence of rats in a storeroom where food items are stored raised immediate concerns about the safety of products being sold to consumers. Additionally, expired goods pose serious health risks, while unlabelled items make it difficult for consumers to verify their contents and quality.
Officials issued contravention notices to the management of the supermarkets, signaling the beginning of a process to hold these businesses accountable for their violations.
Ramaphosa’s Directive on Business Regulation
The inspections align with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s initiative to regulate spaza shops and other businesses operating in local communities. The directive aims to ensure that all store operators are registered, comply with food safety standards, and provide consumers with products that meet acceptable quality and hygiene standards.
The initiative also seeks to address broader concerns about unregulated businesses, particularly those operated by undocumented foreign nationals. As part of this effort, authorities are conducting thorough inspections and enforcing compliance with existing regulations.
Implications for Public Health
The findings highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety and hygiene in retail outlets serving South African communities. Poor practices, such as the storage of food in rodent-infested areas and the sale of expired goods, undermine public health and erode consumer trust.
“These violations are a threat to the health and well-being of our residents. Supermarkets have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and product quality,” Maile emphasized.
Enforcement and Next Steps
Following the inspections, officials issued contravention notices to the supermarkets involved, requiring them to address the violations immediately. The Gauteng Department of Finance and Economic Development has pledged to continue monitoring businesses across the province to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Maile warned that further action would be taken against stores that fail to meet the required standards.
“We will not tolerate businesses that disregard the health and safety of our communities. Those found in violation will face serious consequences.”
Community Concerns
The findings have sparked concern among Soweto residents, who rely on local supermarkets for their daily necessities. Consumers expressed frustration at the apparent disregard for hygiene and safety standards, calling for stricter enforcement of regulations to protect public health.
“We deserve better from the stores we support. They should be ensuring that the food we buy is safe and fresh,” said one shopper.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Standards
The Gauteng Department of Finance and Economic Development has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all businesses operating in the province adhere to regulations. Inspections will continue across other areas, targeting both small spaza shops and large supermarket chains.
The initiative also includes efforts to educate store owners about their responsibilities and the importance of maintaining hygiene and safety standards.
Conclusion
The recent inspections in Soweto serve as a wake-up call for businesses to prioritize hygiene, product quality, and compliance with regulations. As authorities intensify their efforts, the hope is to create safer and more reliable shopping environments for communities across Gauteng.
Maile’s message is clear: businesses must step up and meet their obligations or face the consequences.
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