PICS: Farmer arrested by Hawks for allegedly repackaging and selling rotten, expired food

A farmer has been arrested in Mpumalanga for allegedly repacked expired and rotten food for delivery to different retailers.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said the rotten food was destined for human consumption. 

Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said the Hawks’ Secunda-based serious organised crime investigation and members of Charl Cilliers SAPS operationalised information which was received from “a reliable source” about the farmer’s activities.

“According to allegations, the 30-year-old farmer collects expired food from chain stores and other distributors under the auspices of feeding such food to his domestic animals,” said Nkosi.

When the team comprising of the Hawks and Govern Mbeki Local Municipality’s health inspectors visited the farm, they were shocked when two warehouses were found packed with food which they described as “not fit for human consumption”. 

Nkosi said four cold rooms on the farm were filled with expired canned products, rotten red meat, and chicken meat.

“About 1,000 crates were found fully loaded with expired dairy products, including cheese products. A truck, fitted with a cold room, two light delivery vehicles, one loaded with meat, and an empty LDV (light delivery vehicle) were also found,” said Nkosi.

The Hawks said an intense investigation will be conducted on the vehicles.

“A total of seven freezers were found in the warehouses, with repackaged wheat, flour, and maize meal. Equipment used for vacuuming, scales, and plastic sealers was found on the scene,” said Nkosi.

He added that the recovered items include stickers and pricing machines, which are believed to be used during the repackaging of the expired and rotten food.

Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber said the food was destined for unsuspecting consumers.

“It is a massive blow to the packager, as these products were destined for unsuspecting end users. Food so packaged poses a huge risk to communities,” said Gerber.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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