BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE— A major food safety raid in Mbabane on December 3, 2025, resulted in the seizure of 1.5 tonnes of unsafe food from 12 outlets trading in groceries and eateries. The operation, conducted by the Mbabane Municipal Council in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Commerce, the Eswatini Dairy Board, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, and local health officers, uncovered serious hygiene and compliance violations.
Inspectors found expired products, moldy juices, rotten fish, and other unsafe items. Among the most concerning findings:
-Easy Buy: Expired goods and improperly patched items; also cited for lack of proper licensing and facilities.
-Day 2 Day: Expired and damaged products, posing health risks to consumers.
-Smiles Supermarket: Moldy juices, expired items, and rotten fish.
Other outlets were flagged for damaged packaging, incorrect labeling, poor hygiene facilities, and unsafe storage practices. Several establishments were also found trading with invalid working permits.
Mbabane Municipal Council CEO Gciniwe Fakudze addressed the team and media, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and compliance.
She said, “We are starting to heighten our activities to ensure that, as we approach the festive season, our businesses, especially those trading in food, are compliant. Over the years, we have learned that monitoring is essential.”
She explained, “We inspect supermarkets, eateries — any place trading food — to ensure compliance. First, we check labeling. Some foods are not labeled correctly, and we want consumers to know exactly what they are buying.”
She added, “Second, we look at damaged products. Damaged items should never be sold. Finally, we inspect expiration dates, checking the back of packaging to confirm the sell-by date.”
Fakudze also cautioned the public: “I want to caution citizens across Mbabane and the kingdom: as you buy food, please be vigilant. We can enforce compliance at the outlets, but you also have a duty to inspect products. If you find non-compliant items, report them to authorities so we can intervene.”
She followed, “During today’s inspections, unsafe food was confiscated and condemned. Outlets trading with the wrong licenses or invalid permits were issued warnings and fines. My message to businesses is clear: be compliant and vigilant. And to our citizens: help us ensure a safe environment for all.”
The large-scale raid highlights Mbabane authorities’ firm commitment to consumer protection and food safety. Residents are urged to remain alert, inspect products carefully, and report any unsafe food items to ensure a safe shopping environment during the holiday season.
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