The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning Fijian restaurants to lift their standards after recent market surveillance found rampant poor hygiene practices that are placing consumers at risk, and it has been stressed that restaurants that do not meet public expectations and continuously receive low grades should have their license cancelled.
Council CEO Seema Shandil says the Council inspected 74 restaurants in the Central, Western and Northern divisions from 27th to 31st May, and found numerous cases where proper hygiene practices were not followed and sub quality food were being sold to consumers.
Council CEO Seema Shandil
During inspections, the Council found presence of pests like cockroaches and dead flies, foul smells, greasy stove hoods, counters and kitchen walls, exposed rubbish bins, and absence of hand towels or tissues and soap or hand wash dispenser for customers.
There were also numerous unsafe handling practices such as hairnets and gloves not worn by staff, exposed food, food warmers not maintained at ideal temperatures and food placed near rubbish bins and on floors.
Apart from hygiene practices issues like non‑disclosure of current food prices and failing to display business and health licenses in the premises were observed as well.
The most recent complaint received at the Council was of the presence of cockroach in a meal from a prominent eatery in Suva.
From 2014 to date, the Council has received 148 complaints against restaurants, fast food takeaways and cafes.
These complaints included restaurants infested with pests like cockroaches, flies and maggots, and servings of stale and improperly cooked food.
Shandil also says that it is surprising to note that some restaurants still have not been graded despite the Food Establishment (Grading) Regulation coming into effect in 2011. She says it is also extremely worrying that restaurants that have been graded under the Restaurant Grading System are not complying with the requirements.
The Council is calling on Municipal Councils to ensure that all restaurants are graded and comply with the required grading standards. Consumers who face similar issues with restaurants services and food are encouraged to lodge their complaints with the Council’s National Consumer Helpline Toll Free Number, 155.
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