SUPERSPAR Randfontein denies selling expired food
SUPERSPAR Randfontein has commented on allegations of selling expired food after Municipal Health Services conducted an inspection.
SUPERSPAR Randfontein situated along Main Reef Road has issued a statement after health officials inspected the premises.
Recently, Municipal Health Services (MHS) and the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) conducted health inspections and launched their Food Blitz Operation at various food premises in the Randfontein and Toekomsrus areas.
• Read the initial article here: Health inspectors show no mercy in Rand West City
SUPERSPAR Randfontein was one of the businesses visited by inspectors.
“SUPERSPAR Randfontein is aware of the recent social media posts and images related to allegations of expired goods being sold in the store. Adhering to food safety protocols is paramount across our business and we can confirm that the issue in question was resolved on November 10 following a visit by the authorities to our store,” stated SUPERSPAR Randfontein spokesperson Miguel de Sousa.
He further explained that unsold and expired food packets were kept in the freezer due to the failed arrival of municipal refuse removal services that week.
“We took immediate steps to rectify this and ensured that alternate disposal arrangements were made. The Department of Health and Social Development accepted these arrangements. It is certainly not our policy to retain expired goods for longer than is allowed and we never have the intention to sell them. We always work to adhere to the required health and safety protocols,” De Sousa added.
He continued by saying that with the ongoing incidences of load-shedding and due to service delivery challenges, SUPERSPAR Randfontein has implemented alternative arrangements to ensure ongoing adherence to the SPAR Group as well as the Department of Health regulations relating to food safety.
MHS and the WRDM have since sent a stern warning to all retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, warehouses, and even hawkers regarding food handling, preparation, storage, and food safety saying they will be conducting regular health inspections at various businesses handling food.
They said inspections are carried out by Environmental Health Practitioners as authorised by the National Health Act 61 of 2003 in terms of the Foodstuff, Cosmetic and Disinfectant Act 54 of 1972, as amended in 2013 by the National Minister of Health.
