Consumer Affairs Commission

Food Should be Kept Fresh and Protected

This regulation states that any building in which food is sold, stored or manufactured must have openings for ventilation which are covered with mesh on the outside. Breaches of this Act can result in fines or imprisonment.

Buildings where Food is Kept Must be Hygienic

The Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Act instructs persons who manufacture, store or sell food about the required condition of their buildings in an effort to maintain hygienic conditions in the food industry.

Proper storage of food is important in maintaining the health of the nation; infestation by rodents and insects must therefore be prevented. The Act states that the interior surfaces of buildings where food is stored, manufactured kept for sale must be completely cleaned at least once each year and must be done to the satisfaction of Inspectors appointed under the Act. These buildings include supermarkets, hotels, bakeries and warehouses.  Breaches of this Act can result in fines or imprisonment.

Drains Must Have No Opening Larger than 1/4 "

Floor drains and all other drains shall be fitted with grid (metal) plates installed so that no opening is greater than one quarter of an inch. This is stipulated under the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Act to prevent rodents and insects from entering and contaminating food within a building.

Some Rules for Buildings where Food is Kept

Buildings where food is manufactured, stored or sold such as large supermarkets, hotels, bakeries or warehouses, must be properly constructed. They should also be maintained in good condition.

The walls should be weatherproof and the floors capable of resisting water. This is included in the Act in an effort to maintain hygienic conditions for food sold to the public.

Minister Must be Informed Food is Infested

Every person whose business consists of the manufacture, storage, transport, sale or cleaning of any food has a legal duty to give notice in writing to the Minister responsible for Trade, if he discovers that infestation is present in any article used in the course of that business. This report can be submitted to the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division of the Ministry.

Records Must be Kept

The Act demands that certain records be kept, including records of substances used to treat food. Inspectors appointed under the Act can demand these records at any time from the owners or operators of any building where food is sold, stored or manufactured. This is also required of operators of ships carrying food.

Taking Care of Food

One set of guidelines given in the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Act to ensure that food is kept safe, deals with openings in buildings. It states that openings in building where food is stored, sold or manufactured must be covered with quarter inch mesh wire and must be fitted with either adjustable valves or louvers, a tightly closed cover, or have hinged shutters with retaining bolts.

Buildings Must be Kept Rodent Free

The Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Act sets out strict guidelines for the construction and maintenance of buildings where food is kept. For example, to ensure that such buildings are free of rats and other rodents and insects, it stipulates that the buildings must not have open cracks, holes or any other aspect of disrepair. 

Provided by Ministry of Justice