17 Apr 2019

Members of the public have been cautioned against purchasing expired food items, as they may be detrimental to their health.

The advice was given by the police after noting that some dealers were selling expired goods in Mahalapye.

Detective Supt Jameson Baakile said in an interview that a recent inspection of businesses in Mahalapye unearthed the unexpected, as expired food items were displayed on shelves for purchase by the public.

He noted that most consumers never bothered to check expiry dates of food items as they trusted retailers. Detective Supt Baakile said six reputable food stores in Mahalapye were caught selling expired food items.

He added that the campaign, which was conducted in collaboration with environmental health officers from the sub council, arrested some of the dealers who were cautioned in the past for similar offences.

Detective Supt Baakile also said it was a common tactic that expired goods and those about to expire were placed on sale to attract and deceive unsuspecting customers.

He warned members of the public to be cautious and thoroughly inspect food items before making a purchase.

Detective Supt Baakile also said some fast food outlets repeatedly used cooking oil to an extent that it became a health risk.

He said canned food items with dents were also not suitable for consumption as they posed a health risk.

He said the inspections would deal with business outlets that failed to abide by the law and in the process put innocent people’s health at risk. ENDS