Health Inspectors swoop down on South grocery

HEALTH Inspectors from the San Fernando City Corporation (SFCC) yesterday swooped down on Southern Foodbasket Supermarket and, after an inspection, seized a quantity of items including meats and vegetables. While scores of surprised shoppers wheeled their carts through the aisles of the grocery store on Coffee Street, the inspectors were also moving along the aisles, carefully scrutinising items on the shelves. The inspectors told Newsday they had cause to remove several items from the shelves, which they said, had passed their expiration dates. The inspectors said they also seized vegetables and meat, which they claimed were found stored below the recommended temperature.

Speaking to Newsday, Inspector Lennox Bernard said he and his colleagues went into the grocery and began inspection of all food items on shelves and in the supermarket’s warehouse in the basement. “Our action here today is to ensure that we look after people’s health and at present we, the inspectors, are placing all focus on southern supermarkets from Gulf City straight up to Marabella, including Southern Foodbasket,” Bernard said. He also noted that the Southern Foodbasket Supermarket chain of groceries (three in all) other branches are at St Charles in Princes Town, and Chaguanas, did not have to fear complete closure, but suggested that management was to be advised about what improvements or corrective actions they must take to prevent any cause for closure.

When Newsday attempted speak to a floor supervisor at the supermarket to get their side of the story, the supervisor stated pointedly, “no comments. We don’t want the media here. If you all are not customers, leave the compound.” Within the past weeks, health inspectors from various sections of the country have embarked on a major inspection drive to ensure that places selling food and/or providing food for public consumption, keep up to par with required health standards. This inspection drive has led to the closure of several food stores including groceries, roti shops and even the main Port-of-Spain branch of a very popular fast food restaurant. Hundreds of food items have also been seized by the health inspectors.