LAUTOKA food operators have until January 17, 2020, to apply for a new Food Safety Health Licence.
Lautoka City Council CEO Jone Nakauvadra said the council would distribute reminder notices to all food businesses this month.
He said it was an offence for a food operator to operate their business without a proper licence.
“Part 3 of the Food Safety Act, Licensing of Food Establishments, Section 16(1)(2) and 66, states that it is an offence to operate a food business without a valid health licence and offenders are liable on conviction to a penalty of $10,000 or five years imprisonment,” Mr Nakauvadra said.
“Furthermore, Regulation 51 of the Food Safety Regulation 2009 clearly stipulates that any food business operator who does not ensure that good hygienic practices are applied at all stages of food production, handling, storage commits an offence.
“They are liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $2000 or an imprisonment term of 12 months or both.”
He said operators in the Sugar City should not delay submitting their applications.
“The fines are clearly stipulated and an operator that does not apply on time could be considered as violating these terms.”
