The items included red meat, chicken and dairy products
A 30-year-old farmer has been arrested for allegedly repackaging expired and rotten food, including red meat, chicken and dairy products, for delivery to retailers destined for human consumption.
The operation was carried out by the Hawks Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation and SAPS after they received information from a source.
“It is alleged the farmer collects expired food from chain stores and other distributors under the auspices of feeding such food to his domestic animals. When the team, comprising the Hawks, and Govern Mbeki Local Municipality Health inspectors, visited the farm, they were shocked when two warehouses were found packed with food not fit for human consumption,” said the Hawks in a statement.
“Four cold rooms filled with expired canned products, rotten red meat, and chicken meat were found. About 1 000 crates were found fully-loaded with expired dairy products, including cheese products. A truck, fitted with a coldroom, two light delivery vehicles, one loaded with meat, and an empty LDV were also found.”
The Hawks said “an intense” investigation would be conducted on the vehicles.
“A total of seven freezers were found in the warehouses with repackaged wheat, flour, and maize meal. Equipment used for vacuuming, scales, and plastic sealers was found on the scene. The recovered items include stickers and pricing machines, that are believed to be used during repackaging.”
Major General Nico Gerber, the Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, said: "It is a massive blow to the packager as these products were destined for unsuspecting end users. Food so packaged poses a huge risk to communities.“
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