Zanzibar Steps Up Campaign Against 'Unfit' Food

BY ISSA YUSSUF, 5 SEPTEMBER 2013

Zanzibar — THE Minister of State (Environment), Ms Fatma Abdulhabib Fereji, has declared war against importation and sale of expired foodstuffs in the islands.

Addressing journalists here after the destruction of 780 tonnes of wheat flour declared unfit for human consumption, she said the government was intensifying measures to curb importation and sale of expired foodstuffs.

"No one will be spared and anyone who may violate the laws will be dealt with according to the laws. We want our people to report persons who sale expired items," said the minister.

Ms Fatma said that importers and distributors should know that inspectors were working round the clock to check whether goods are fit for consumption and friendly to the environment.
The destroyed wheat flour was imported by the prominent trader, Bopar Enterprises of Zanzibar in April, this year from Turkey, but health inspectors at the sea port tested the flour and declared it as unfit for human consumption.

Disputes then emerged between the importer and the transporters, 'Mediterranean Shipping company,' who was responsible for the destruction of the flour. The flour was transported to Dar es Salaam for destruction in June, this year.

Ms Fereji said that the total cost of the transportation and destruction was 64.1m/-, as she thanked the union government's office responsible for environment and the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) for making sure that the unfit wheat was destroyed
.