The Food Safety campaign in the Frances Baard District, led by the SAPS and local government officials, intensified its operations by shutting down 32 non-compliant tuck shops, confiscating unsafe food, and cracking down on food fraud to safeguard public health.
THE NORTHERN Cape Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), led by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, intensified its Food Safety campaign in the Frances Baard District on Sunday.
Joined by members of the executive council, the Frances Baard district mayor, and local mayors from Dikgatlong, Phokwane, and Magareng municipalities, inter-governmental teams carried out compliance inspections at tuck shops. These inspections aimed to tackle the sale of illicit and contaminated food items and address non-compliance with regulations.
ALSO READ: Authorities shut down 26 tuck shops in Kimberley, confiscate expired goods
Police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said that multi-sectoral teams, led by the MEC for Coghsta, Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, local mayors, and Lieutenant-General Otola, were deployed to Barkly West, Delportshoop, Warrenton, Hartswater and Ritchie.
During the operation:
– 34 tuckshops were inspected: Only two were found compliant, while 32 were shut down for non-compliance and operating without valid licenses.
– Large quantities of expired, damaged, and rotten meat and food items were confiscated.
– Seven undocumented foreign nationals were arrested and detained for processing by the Department of Home Affairs.
– Three fines were issued for various violations.
Brigadier Gamieldien said authorities have urged communities to support these inspections to ensure compliance and safeguard public health. These collaborative efforts aim to remove fraudulent and unsafe food and beverages from circulation, protecting consumers from serious health risks, including potentially fatal consequences.
The campaign will extend to all five districts of the Northern Cape, targeting the illicit trade in food and cracking down on food fraud.
