Africa-Press – Eswatini. As the festive holidays approach, the Ministry of Health is prioritizing public safety by cracking down on unsafe food in markets and stores across Eswatini.
Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), alongside the Royal Eswatini Police Services and final-year Environmental Health students from the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), have conducted inspections across multiple regions to safeguard citizens’ health.
On November 13, 2025, officers inspected food establishments in Buhleni, Hhohho region, uncovering expired products, repackaged items without proper labelling, and storage facilities with poor ventilation and inadequate temperature control. Such conditions, officials warned, could lead to foodborne illnesses and long-term health complications.
Earlier, on October 30, 2025, a similar operation took place in Madlangemphisi, also in Hhohho. Officers found establishments breaching the Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations of 1973, with expired, damaged, or improperly packaged food, substandard cleanliness, and inadequate ventilation. Unsafe items were condemned and destroyed to prevent consumption.
Inspections also extended to the Lubombo region, covering Siphofaneni, Gilgal, and Phuzumoya, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade. Violations observed mirrored those in Hhohho, including handwritten labels on repackaged goods and expired food on shelves—highlighting persistent challenges in food-handling practices across the country.
The Ministry urges the public to play an active role in food safety by checking expiry dates, labels, and packaging before purchase, and reporting any suspicious practices. These inspections demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to creating “safe food zones” and preventing foodborne illnesses.
Through these proactive measures, the Environmental Health Department continues to uphold public health standards, ensuring communities are protected, especially during the festive season when food consumption peaks.
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