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Buffalo City Metro said it was concerned about the amount of illegal pesticides and banned poisonous substances that are being sold around Mdantsane following compliance raids on businesses on Thursday.
Spokesperson, Samkelo Ngwenya, said the City was also warning communities not to buy these products.
He said City officials conducted raids targeting outlets selling food, spaza shops, supermarkets, street vendors, and restaurants to enforce compliance with Municipal bylaws.
Ngwenya said out of the 12 food premises inspected at the Old Highway Mall, eight were closed, adding that the Department of Employment & Labour will issue a prohibition order for the building.
He said their preliminary findings indicate that the building is not fit for human habitation or housing businesses.
Ngwenya also said that authorities seized thousands of rands worth of illegal pesticides, while expired and or damaged food products and illegal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics were removed from the shelves.
He said the owner of an illegal baker fled after spotting the team arriving.
“The teams had to use force to gain entry. The products will be confiscated and taken for disposal whilst ingredients will be detained.
Ngwenya said BCM will continue with compliance raids every week as part of ensuring that outlets selling food selling comply with health, environmental, and safety standards.
