By Malish Valentine Adolfo – Torit
The State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Bureau of Standards, disposed of over 2.5 metric tons of expired goods in Torit Town, Eastern Equatoria State, on Thursday. The expired items included food products, drinks, and biscuits.
Okech Sistillo Marcelo, the Executive Director of the Business Union in Torit, advised the local business community to isolate expired goods from their shops, emphasizing the importance of discarding such items to protect public health.
Okech Sistillo Marcelo on Expired Goods:
“When we receive the call, we gather as a group to collect the expired goods. A committee, together with the inspection team from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, oversees the process. It’s crucial to report expired items to avoid harm, as these products become dangerous when they pass their expiration date. Businesses should isolate them promptly.”
Meanwhile, Mario Vuga, Minister of Trade and Industry, urged traders to prioritize the health of their customers by ensuring they sell only non-expired goods.
Minister Mario Vuga on Expired Goods:
“We urge our traders to be mindful of the public’s health. The government is committed to ensuring that the products consumed are safe. Our team has been working diligently to discover and dispose of expired goods, including drinks, food, and sweets sold by some traders.”
Eastern Equatoria State Governor, Louis Lobong Lojore, stressed that traders who continue to sell expired goods should face penalties. He instructed counties and payams to regularly inspect local shops for expired items.
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore on Penalties for Selling Expired Goods:
“The Ministry of Trade, the National Bureau of Standards, and security agencies should maintain records of individuals selling expired goods. First-time offenders should receive a warning but repeat offenders must be fined. On the third violation, the trader’s business license will be revoked.” The statements were made during a media briefing in Torit on Thursday.