(Source: AFD)

Substandard food imports remain a challenge that poses significant risks to people of all ages.

Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica says they are working with the Ministry of Health on existing laws and in doing so also impose new ones.

He adds that they are actively stepping up monitoring to ensure that food safety is not compromised in the name of profits.

The minister said the task force which started in April this year held sustained dialogue with all stakeholders.

“Part of the reason we decided to form a food safety working group was to try to start active discussions about food safety and food regulation in Fiji. So it’s now underway.

Kamikamica adds that they continue to receive complaints about canned food products.

He said one of the needs of the task force was simply the quality standard of food and particularly of certain imports, particularly canned imports.

The minister adds that they are focusing on strengthening inspections of food products.

Permanent Secretary for Commerce Shaheen Ali says they meet regularly with their key stakeholders to improve food security.

“The role of the task force in terms of oversight work is to empower the local agencies vested with this responsibility. So, Consumer Council, Ministry of Health, FCCC.

The food safety task force has so far dealt with a wide range of issues, including unhygienic retail practices, presence of parasites in food, improper handling of food, compliance with expiry dates and the sale of products that have already expired.