A farmer in Mpumalanga has been arrested for allegedly repackaging expired and rotten food for sale.
The Hawks say information was received that the food was packaged for delivery to different retailers destined for human consumption.
Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi says the 30-year-old suspect allegedly collects expired food from chain stores and other distributors under the guise of feeding it to his domestic animals.
Two warehouses packed with rotten food were found upon arrival at his farm.
Nkosi says four cold rooms filled with expired canned products, rotten red meat, and chicken meat were discovered.
About 1,000 crates were fully loaded with expired dairy products, including cheese.
A truck fitted with a cold room, two light delivery vehicles, one loaded with meat, and an empty LDV were also found.
Nkosi says seven freezers were found in the warehouses, including repackaged wheat, flower, and maize meal.
Equipment used for vacuuming, scales, and plastic sealers was found on the scene.
The recovered items include stickers and pricing machines, which are believed to be used during repackaging.
The farmer is expected to appear in court soon.
