Accompanied by Mayco Member for Social Services and Safety and Security, JP Smith, officials from the environmental health department on Wednesday visited the Parow Flea Market, nearby tuckshops and the lab where food is tested.
The lab tests about 64 food samples and 40 milk products each week.
Smith explains the visits focus is on high-risk food stuffs, which have to be done four times a year, including food safety and pest control.
Several issues were raised by officials at the market including the resale of items after their “Best Before” date and international products past their expiration date.
“The problem is that people need to check the dates. It is up to the consumer to buy and beware of the date on the item,” warns Smith.
BEWARE: Look at the Best Before date
“In terms of national legislation, selling something after it has passed the Best Before date is not illegal. The product is still consumable but the buyer needs to be aware of what they are purchasing. The only thing that is illegal is the tampering with the date stamps.”
The inspectors also visited a Somali-owned fast food outlet where they recently issued a R2000 fine. Here, they point out the flies in the shop as well as dirt under cooldrink fridges.
The owner was instructed to clean up his act, but failed to do so after a week.
They attempted to fine him again, but couldn’t as the owner was not present.
Smith said the owner will now be summonsed to court.