NMB Metro
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality closed a total of 13 shops in Kariega that were found to be in breach of food safety regulations during an inspection operation on Thursday.
The Metro says the inspection is part of the city's efforts to tackle the ongoing threat of food-related diseases.
The South African Police Services and Home Affairs also formed part of the operation.
Executive Mayor, Eugene Johnson, flanked by public Health Mayoral Committee member, Councillor Thsonono Buyeye, focused on the busy lower Market Street.
Johnson says she found conditions at some shops appalling and eight premises had no waste removal services.
She says some shops owners were found to be breaking the law and tampering with Municipal infrastructure to steal water - and were issued R5000 fines accordingly by the Metro Police.
The Metro says shops were found selling expired food, un-labelled food items and there was also excessive food stored in premises without ventilation.
Mayor Johnson says the Metro wants business in the City, but it must be done legally..."It must be done in a legal manner because the safety of our communities is of paramount importance to us," she added.
Deputy Director for Public Health, Dr Patrick Nodwele, says the Metro wants to issue a stern warning to all business owners to get their businesses in order.
"Inspections will continue across the Metro. They must fix their businesses as their illegal modus operandi has serious consequences for our communities," he said.
He gave the assurance that the Municipality will continue to conduct operations across the City, in both the formal and informal business sectors.
