By Tandzile Dlamini
MBABANE – A major food safety enforcement operation led by the Municipal Council of Mbabane has resulted in the seizure of over 640 kilograms of expired, unlabeled, and substandard food items across various outlets in the capital city.
The initiative, which is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen food safety standards, saw 24 premises inspected in areas including Msunduza, Gobolo, and Corinte.Speaking during the inspection, Director of Community Services Busa Masina said the operation aims to identify non-compliance in the sale and distribution of food products, reduce foodborne illnesses, and stop the circulation of fraudulent or substandard goods. “Food safety is a shared responsibility,” she emphasized, urging consumers to report any food safety concerns they encounter in local shops , including expired items, mislabeled products, and unhygienic conditions.
The operation is a joint effort between the Municipal Council of Mbabane and key partners: the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Eswatini Dairy Board, Royal Eswatini Police Service, and the Eswatini Competition Commission.Inspectors uncovered serious violations across various retail and food service establishments. Among the findings were expired products, damaged canned goods, repackaged items without proper labeling, and food items with altered expiry dates. A cow carcass was also found in one location without evidence of scientific testing to confirm its safety for human consumption.
Out of the 24 establishments inspected, six stores were formally charged by the Ministry of Commerce for offenses including trading without a license, operating with expired licenses, re-packaging food without proper labeling, and failure to display business licenses. One shop was completely shut down for non-compliance with health and safety standards. Additionally, a restaurant was temporarily closed after inspectors discovered that food was being stored at unsafe temperatures.
Senior Health Inspector Zinhle Mamba emphasized the purpose of the operation, stressing that the municipality’s actions are not intended to destroy businesses but to safeguard public health. “We do not take pleasure in taking away people’s source of income,” she said. “However, we are mandated by the Public Health Act of 1969 to ensure that everyone in the country purchases safe and wholesome food. It is better to have healthy citizens than growing businesses while people fall sick or die.”
Mamba also encouraged business owners to attend food safety workshops offered by the municipality to better understand regulations and proper food handling practices.She explained that the frequency of inspections is determined by the level of risk posed by each establishment. Some stores are inspected monthly, while others may be inspected once every one to two months depending on past compliance and food safety risks.
The Municipal Council of Mbabane has vowed to continue with these inspections, both as an enforcement tool and a public awareness effort, ensuring that food safety remains a top priority for the city and its residents.
