The sale of prohibited meat and fish and mixed kava will be forbidden in municipal markets across Fiji under proposed new regulations endorsed by Cabinet.
The restrictions are among key changes arising from a review of the Market By-Laws under the Local Government Act 1972, with new Local Government (Municipal Market) Regulations now set to be drafted.
Under the proposed framework, municipal, mini and satellite markets will operate under more consistent rules, including tighter controls over products offered for sale.
The regulations will specifically prohibit the sale of prohibited meat and fish, while the sale of mixed kava will also be banned.
Wholesale activities within markets will also be prohibited.
The changes form part of wider efforts to strengthen health and food safety standards and provide greater protection for consumers and vendors.
Cooked food vendors operating from markets will be required to comply with applicable food safety and health standards.
The new regulations will also require vendors to display prices in writing, aimed at providing consumers with greater transparency over the prices they are being charged.
Other changes will cover market operating arrangements, dispute resolution, fee and revenue collection, environmental management and accountability in the operation of markets.
The proposed regulations are intended to establish a standard framework for market operations across Fiji, replacing differing practices with consistent requirements for vendors and market authorities.
