Food traders urged to observe hygiene

Mchinji district food safety and hygiene officer Pius Mbemba has urged traders to observe food hygiene practices.

He said this last week during an inspection of formal food selling points that showed none of them adhered to recommended food safety and hygiene standards.

“The situation is putting the health of people in danger as some traders are selling expired products,” said Mbemba.

The office has since given the traders one month to improve the situation.

In random interviews, residents commended the exercise, saying it will improve food standards.

Sheila Potani said most traders prepare food in unsanitary conditions.

“Food should be prepared in good conditions to protect consumers from diseases,” she said. 

The food safety and hygiene office is mandated to assess food products to ensure that food traders adhere to set food hygiene and storage standards.

This year, the district has registered 2 350 formal food selling points, including tea rooms, restaurants and bars.