A joint operation of JMPD, Kliptown Community Police Forum (CPF), SAPS, Pikit Up and Environmental Health specialists fined many shops for selling expired goods on Friday, in Kliptown Soweto.
Environmental Health Operational Manager Gabisile Mbhele said the operation was checking whether businesses abide by Covid-19 rules and regulations, as well as meeting hygiene and safety standards.
“Unfortunately we found a lot of shops selling goods which have expired in 2019 and others did not meet hygiene standard. Residents’ health is at risk due to some wiped expiry dates on goods at shops. We also checked business license registrations and did inspections. Another discovered issue is that buildings are old in Kliptown, which causes rats. Some business owners have cats in other to chase away rats”, she added.
Mbhele said fines and notices were issued to businesses which did not reach hygiene standards and for selling expired goods.
“Community members should be vigilant and check expiry dates on goods when buying. We have searched 20 shops, issued 10 fines, issued 11 trading licenses and eight statutory notices”, she said.
Kliptown Community Police Forum chairperson Billy Peterson said he knows that environmental health will follow up with businesses which are selling expired goods.
“Businesses which sell expired goods put health of people at risk. When buying, if expiry dates are outdated or wiped off, please do not purchase such goods”, said Peterson.
