Fast food shops breached laws: Official

 By TAUNA GEORGE

Fast food outlets in Port Moresby have failed to comply with 

the Food and Sanitation Act of 

the National Capital District Commission, the chief health surveyor Isoa More says.

More said compliance with hygiene regulations in the handling of food prior to preparations was a big problem among fast food shops.

He said simple requirements such as storage of frozen and dry goods at required temperature levels had not been followed.

“These food sold at the kai bars are not safe for consumption and it puts customers at risk of food poisoning,” More said.    

“You just walk into a fast food kitchen and see how the food is being prepared. 

“Although the front of the kai bar may look attractive, as soon you enter the back door, you will find that the place is filthy with frozen goods left on the floor to defrost and the benches for butchering meat including utensils very dirty. 

“Employees are often chewing 

betel nut and smoking while preparing food without wearing any protective gear such as gloves and aprons.”

He said most of the buildings like the ones at Boroko, which were built in the 80s, are still being used without having any renovation work done.

He said the buildings also contributed to the overall health concerns for the public.

He said they had given kai bar owners ample time to adjust to the new laws in the revised Act of 2007 but they were too slow in adjusting.

He has instructed his officers to identify these kai bars and shut them down. There were calls made to close down outlets selling products that are unsavoury, unhealthy and breached consumer laws.”