BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
SITEKI- Members of the public have been encouraged to carefully check expiry dates, packaging conditions and product labels before purchasing food items in order to protect themselves and their families from foodborne illnesses.
This follows a joint health inspection exercise conducted on May 27,2026 by the Siteki Town Council together with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Health in various shops around town.
During the inspections, several products were condemned for failing to meet food safety standards. The inspection team discovered expired food products, unlabelled food items, goods with damaged packaging and spoiled products caused by poor storage conditions.
Among the products condemned were canned fish, rice, fizzy drinks, soup packs, vinegar, snacks, sweets, Jik and biscuits. The goods were later destroyed and disposed of to prevent them from reaching consumers.
Authorities said the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety and ensure businesses comply with public health regulations.
Some shoppers welcomed the inspections, saying they help protect consumers from unsafe products that may cause illness.
One resident said many people do not always pay attention to expiry dates when shopping, making awareness on food safety important for every household.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe and contaminated food contributes significantly to foodborne diseases globally. WHO estimates that about 600 million people fall ill each year due to contaminated food, while approximately 420 000 deaths are recorded annually worldwide.
The organisation further states that diarrhoeal diseases linked to unsafe food account for around 550 million illnesses and 230 000 deaths every year.
The inspection exercise reflects the commitment by the Siteki Town Council and its stakeholders to safeguarding public health and promoting safer food handling practices within businesses operating in town.
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(Courtesy Pic)
