GREENVILLE, Sinoe – Agents of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry stationed in Sinoe have confiscated over US$5,000 worth of consumable goods due to long passed expiration dates.

Among the items confiscated are pharmaceutical drugs and other medical supplies, sugar, butter, flour, beans, and rice. The items were so long expired that some appeared visibly contaminated.

Sinoe’s acting commerce inspector, Alfred Farley, said the expired items have been taken off the shelves of shops and stores selling them in Greenville and will be destroyed or burned.

“It is very frustrating and embarrassing, [and] as well poses serious health hazard [to] citizens when business people who are expected to sell up-to-date goods are still keeping in stores and shops expired goods, as a means of generating more or double profit,” Farley said.

According to Ministry of Commerce consumable items safety guidelines, expired food items must be taken from the market out of concern for public health and safety, and violators may be arrested, charged, and prosecuted for a felony, upon failure to pay a fine US$25 on each offence, as deterrence.

Inspector Farley said his team would continue their inspection operations to ensure that all businesses are operating in compliance with the law.

“This is the first huge task we have achieved, and we can assure our people that this is just the beginning because we will do everything possible to strengthen the business community in line with Commerce’s compliance and operations,” he added.

The ministry’s actions have so far been applauded by citizens of the county as pro-active and necessary for public safety.

Featured photo by Gbatemah Senah