Expired food found in festive season crackdown

Suva City Council inspectors have intensified supermarket inspections this festive season after discovering expired and substandard food items on shelves.

Acting chief executive officer Tevita Boseiwaqa said food safety was non-negotiable and warned that legal action would be taken against outlets that fail to comply with health regulations.

The inspections are part of the council’s annual festive season crackdown, aimed at protecting consumers as shopping activity increases.

“Food safety is non-negotiable. Consumers must check their purchases. Inspections will continue and breaches will not be tolerated,” Mr Boseiwaqa said.

He said inspectors had already identified expired and substandard food items during routine checks, with immediate warnings issued to the outlets involved.

Mr Boseiwaqa stressed that businesses have a responsibility to ensure all food products sold to the public are safe and within expiry dates, warning that failure to do so puts public health at risk.

The council has reminded supermarket operators that repeated or serious breaches could result in legal action under existing health and safety laws.

Consumers have also been urged to remain vigilant when shopping during the festive period, particularly when demand for food products is high.

Mr Boseiwaqa advised shoppers to check expiry dates, packaging conditions and storage of food items before purchasing, and to report any concerns to the council.

He said inspections will continue throughout the festive season and beyond as the council steps up efforts to ensure food sold in Suva meets required safety standards.