Mnquma Local Municipality has called on its residents to be vigilant and help fight the rampant sale of expired foodstuffs, and report culprits of such crimes to the relevant authorities.
Last week the municipality embarked on unannounced raids on more than 65 shops operating in Butterworth, Centane and Ngqamakwe, and a staggering number of those raided were found selling foodstuff that had reached their sell by dates, while other items had their labels removed or tampered with.
One of the food products found on the shelves of the raided shops had a 2022 expiry date.
The municipality has warned shop owners that the sale of expired foodstuffs was tantamount to attempted murder, due to the poisonous state of the rotten products.
Mpalantshane further cautioned repeat offenders that they face the possibility of having their trading licences revoked for flouting the municipal bylaws, and a possibility of jail time as criminal cases will be opened against offenders with relevant authorities for prosecution.
Food items confiscated during the raids included baby formula, cereals, meats, dairy products, tobacco, spices, and herbal medicines.
Culprits were fined R2 000, while others faced the possibility of having their businesses closed depending on the nature of the offence, and the punishment applicable in terms of the municipal bylaws.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any shop owner who puts the lives of people at risk by dealing in expired foodstuffs,” Mpalantshane cautioned.
He added that the focus of the raids is on protecting citizens, while also welcoming the tip-offs the municipality received from vigilant customers.
Residents have also welcomed the raids and encouraged the municipality and health inspectors to conduct more unannounced visits to spaza shops in rural areas.
