Checkers found non-compliant due to rodents

The environmental health unit from the Tlokwe City Council has allegedly found Checkers, Mooirivier Mall to be non-compliant in terms of the environmental health act.
Furthermore, it is alleged that the unit has given Checkers 21 days to comply with the act. It is also alleged that, if they fail to do so, their trading licence would be revoked until they meet the set demands.
This comes after rodents were seen in one of the aisles and flies were seen sitting on cooked food that was not covered.
Sarita van Wyk, Shoprite corporate communications manager says that, after their investigations into the matter, it appears that two municipal officials gained access to their storage and food production areas on the pretext of being health inspectors. According to her, they did not identify themselves and nor did they issue a certificate of any kind to the store.
“The store has a well-managed pest control programme in place and there is no problem with rodents or flies in our store,” says Van Wyk.
“Customers who have any concerns about their shopping experience in our store are invited to approach the branch manager immediately so that corrective action can be taken on the spot where necessary,” she added.
Van Wyk said they are committed to addressing problem areas when they occur.

Victor Boqo, the mayoral spokesperson, confirmed, however, that the environmental health officers from the municipality have already visited Checkers on three different occasions.
“The environmental health officers from the municipality first visited Checkers on 13 October 2015 to do a health inspection,” he says.
“A notice report was subsequently issued, due to non-compliance with Regulation 962 under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1974 as amended. The store manager was given a considerable period of time to ensure compliance,” he added.
According to Boqo, another inspection was done by two inspectors on 2 March 2016. They found that the store’s conditions had not improved and another non-compliance notice was issued on 4 March. He says the environmental health officers will intensify monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance.