Mpumalanga Farmer Arrested for Repackaging Rotten, Expired Food for Retail

In a shocking case of food safety violations, a 30-year-old farmer in Mpumalanga has been arrested by the Hawks for allegedly repacking expired and rotten food, which was intended for distribution to various retailers. This act poses a significant public health risk, as the repackaged food was destined for human consumption.

The Hawks, assisted by local health inspectors, conducted a raid on the farm, where they uncovered disturbing conditions. In total, two warehouses were found to be filled with food unfit for human consumption. The items discovered included expired canned goods, rotten meat, and over 1,000 crates of dairy products, including cheese. The operation also revealed several cold rooms packed with unsanitary products and equipment used to repackage the food.

Authorities are now investigating the full extent of the operation, including the vehicles used to transport the food. The seized equipment, such as vacuum sealers, scales, and plastic sealers, points to a systematic effort to mislead consumers by selling unsafe food. Hawks’ spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, condemned the illegal activities, stating that the food posed a huge risk to communities.

Major General Nico Gerber, head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that repackaging expired food for sale is a direct threat to public health. He warned that such actions could have devastating effects, especially if unsuspecting consumers were to ingest the contaminated products.

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