Tuesday, 5 December 2023: The Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications together with core regulators of the food industry have established a “National Taskforce on Food Safety” aimed at addressing common food related issues, on importation, storage, and the tampering of expiry dates by retailers.
The Taskforce has met twice under the chairmanship of the Deputy Prime and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica.
Concerns have also been raised as to what measures the Fiji Government is using to ensure that imported food items meet the required laws, guidelines, and standards. The Chief Executive Officer Consumer Council (CCoF) of Fiji, Ms Seema Shandil, highlighted the role of CCoF as an advocacy body, and aims to protect the rights and interests of consumers by promoting fair and just delivery of goods and services. She further added that in order to ensure imported food items meet local requirements, food safety regulators must collaborate and analyse the gaps in regulation and see that regulation and policies are aligned accordingly to control the quality of imported foods.
The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission upon the approval of the Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, can hold an inquiry necessary to food safety and related matters, as confirmed by Mr. Joel Abraham, Chief Executive Officer, FCCC.
According to the Chief Health Inspector, Mr. Vimal Deo, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is also concerned with the numerous complaints received in relation to the deteriorating conditions of food establishments around the country. The Central Board of Health is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Food Safety Act and Regulations and Health Inspectors are appointed as Authorised Officers under the Act to administer this Act and associated regulations. These officers are either based in Municipal Councils or in Health Offices around the country. The Chief Health Inspector further stressed that imported pre-packaged foods and raw material food commodities brought into the country need proper health checks from the Food Unit but some traders were by-passing these essential checks. He added that it is essential for all other regulatory agencies to assist MoHMS in increasing awareness and ensuring compliance to the Food Safety Act, Regulations and Food Standards in place. Apart from regulators, Mr Vimal Deo also emphasised that food safety is a joint responsibility between the government, industry, and consumers. Food Business Operators also need to ensure that all their food establishments meet the minimum requirement for good hygienic practices and that all food handlers are adequately trained to meet the standards stipulated under the Food Safety Act 2003 and Food Safety Regulations 2009.
The National Taskforce on Food Safety intends to provide a platform where the sharing of information and developing common approaches will enhance the effective enforcement of food standards and regulations, with the objective of supporting consumers to make safer food choices.
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