By Verenaisi Raicola

Bula Vinaka viewers in Vere’s Take today seven businesses faced hefty fines following enforcement actions by health inspectors from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ Food Unit in a recent crackdown on businesses.

They found a critical need for compliance with local regulations to ensure public health and safety in eateries, food outlets and supermarkets.

A coffee shop, takeaway outlet, two retail stores and street food vendors and businesses paid $14,900 in fines for various noncompliance issues.

Head of the Food Unit Taina Rauvala said a closure order was also issued for a major retail shop in Rakiraki Town due to ongoing compliance issues.

Findings included: Meat with freezer burn, softness, and foul odours. Freezers operating outside the required temperature range with non-working gauges. Inadequate cleaning, temperature, and pest control records. Presence of weevils, cockroaches, and other pests in storage areas and on shelves and unsanitary conditions in butcher shops and retail areas.

Compliance is vital for protecting consumers and fostering a fair marketplace for all business owners.

Moving forward the MOH will enforce vital regulations to support lawful business operations.

A clean environment ensures a positive brand image as poor hygiene leads to poor service, bad reviews, social media backlash, and lasting damage to the business’s reputation.

The next time you order food be a little more observant to ensure it is prepared hygienically.

Read more on this in the Shopper section of The Fiji Times.