The Consumer Council has revealed they’ve identified a gross infestation of cockroaches around food display areas, butcher, potato and onion display areas in supermarkets.

This follows the random surveillance of 22 supermarkets around the country where it was confirmed they were selling rotten meats, fruits and vegetables.

22 major supermarkets have been caught selling rotten meat, fruits, and vegetables. The discovery was made by the @ConsumersFj. There was also a gross infestation of cockroaches in a leading supermarket. Atleast one supermarket is facing legal action. #TeamFiji pic.twitter.com/olkPGAG4gS

— Akosita Talei (@TaleiFBCNews) March 28, 2019

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Council Chief Executive Seema Shandil says in one case, they had to remove rotten items from the freezer with the help of a municipal council.

She’s calling on the management of supermarkets to seriously look into this issue of thawed and deteriorated meat products displayed for sale in the meat section.

“ I would also like to applaud the Lautoka City Council with whom our team carried out a joint operation and they were able to remove a hefty amount of deteriorated meat products from the shelf and it got disposed. We are going to do the same for all supermarket who are selling unfit and unhygienic food to consumers.”

The Consumer Council says there’s a growing disregard of hygiene practices required under the Food Safety Act 2003 and Food Safety Regulation 2009 by several supermarkets across the country.

The Council will continue to be on the lookout and work with relevant Food Authorities to make sure that supermarkets adhere to Food Safety Regulations at all times.