Health Inspectors from the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) condemned 1.5 tonnes of spoiled rice products at the Trukai Industries Depot, in Mt Hagen, last Tuesday.
The rice, which was reported as wet and mouldy, was deemed unfit for human consumption under Section 12(3) of the Food Sanitation Act 1991 and Section 18 of the Food Sanitation Regulation 2007.
The condemnation followed a formal request by Trukai Industries’ Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QAQC) and Marketing teams, demonstrating the company’s proactive approach to public health and safety.
Health Inspectors Joe Wasia and Melissa Steven commended Trukai Industries for its close cooperation with WHPHA, saying that Trukai Industry in Mt Hagen is cooperating very well and is the only authority on the ground that is responsible for regulating food safety and sanitation in the city.
Mr. Wasia is advising all food businesses in Mt Hagen to comply with existing food safety and public health laws, similar to the practices of Trukai, calling it a model example of responsible food business practices in the province.
Mr. Wasia urged all local and foreign-owned food businesses in the city to follow suit, warning that any breaches of foodsanitation laws could result in prosecution and penalties.
He added, “If a food item is damaged, business owners must inform us so we can proceed to condemn the items before they are sold to street vendors and potentially end up outside the shops when they are not fit for human consumption.”
In a further effort to regulate food safety, WHPHA will begin issuing Prescribed Food Business Licenses to all food-related businesses operating within Mt Hagen. This requirement is mandated
under Section 33 of the Food Sanitation Act 1991 and Section 35 of the Food Sanitation Regulation 2007. Businesses operating outside these guidelines risk facing legal consequences.
“We will continue to do more inspections to ensure that businesses in Mt Hagen comply with the regulations in place, as everyone has a role in protecting public health,” the two inspectors said.
This move reflects WHPHA’s ongoing commitment to enforcing food safety regulations and fostering partnerships with industries and businesses for the well-being of the Western Highlands community.
