Police in Durban’s Bluff area uncovered a disturbing case of unsafe food storage following a raid on several buildings in the region. Authorities found a range of everyday food items, including canned fish, fizzy drinks, soya beans, baby food, and spices for chips, being improperly stored alongside hazardous chemicals such as pesticides.
The raid, which took place on Thursday, was part of an ongoing investigation into illegal food safety violations in the area. Officers discovered that these food items, which were intended for sale to the public, had been stored in unsanitary conditions, posing a serious health risk.
“The food products were found in close proximity to dangerous chemicals, which could potentially contaminate them,” said police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala. “The items were not stored in accordance with food safety regulations, and we are working with health and safety officials to investigate further.”
The authorities have since seized the contaminated goods, which are being tested to determine the extent of the contamination. Investigations are also underway to identify those responsible for the improper storage practices and to determine if any customers may have been affected by consuming the compromised food.
This discovery has raised concerns about food safety regulations in informal storage and distribution networks, with the authorities warning consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food-selling operations.
The raid underscores the continued efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on illegal activities that endanger public health, with more inspections expected in the region in the coming weeks.