Local IGA branch slapped with hefty fine for toying with expiry dates and violating food safety laws
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We're all familiar with the issue of food waste. Most of us here have probably experienced buying something that we don't end up using or having items we thought would last longer spoil before we can finish them.
That's why it's our priority to make sure we get the most out of our food shopping—this involves carefully reading labels, planning meals, and being mindful of what we buy.
However, not all businesses act responsibly and consider the impact on their customers. Unfortunately, some disregard the factors that affect their customers' well-being.
A recent example of this misconduct involves an IGA branch—East Row, located near the Civic bus interchange in Canberra—which was taken to court due to its harmful and downright unsafe practices.
The investigations began in 2021 after multiple complaints about the store deliberately selling food past its expiry date piled up. This illegal activity mainly involved dairy products, dips, olives, gherkins, corn relish and soft drinks.
To make matters even worse, when authorities visited the store, they found that the owner had been trying to mask their violations by messing with the date labels. CCTV footage gathered from the store showed staff tampering with the dates.
Authorities also found a four-litre near-empty can of acetone—a substance used to make it easier to remove expiry and best-before dates from packaging—in the store.
ACT Health Protection Services' Environmental Health Officers discovered several concerning issues during an inspection of a store. The store lacked a Food Safety Supervisor, and they were preparing food in an unsanitary and unapproved room.
The area above the premises also lacked essential handwashing facilities and proper cooking, washing, and sanitising equipment, leading to an increased risk of contamination.
Legal action was taken, and Rising Wood Pty Ltd's Director, Abdullah Osman, admitted guilt to nine violations of the ACT Food Act during a court hearing at the ACT Magistrates Court in July. The branch was subsequently fined $16,500.
The store's manager, Javid Osman, also faced consequences and received a fine of $1,000 for obstructing the investigation.
Commenting on the situation, Dr Kerryn Coleman, the ACT Chief Health Officer, said: 'Removing or changing best-before and use-by labels can deceive and mislead the public into making uninformed decisions about the quality and safety of food at the time of purchase.'
'It can also prevent an effective recall of products by the manufacturer in the event of food safety concerns.'
Issuing a stern warning, Dr Coleman also declared that the ruling represents the start of a new chapter in food safety enforcement in the region.
She explained, 'ACT Health has a responsibility to protect public safety and ensure food businesses are operating in a way that does not pose a risk to the health of Canberrans.'
This story serves as a reminder for us to take food safety regulations seriously and to always be cautious about where we're getting our groceries. We strongly suggest you look past the price tag and consider the quality of your food. Also, make sure you check each item carefully and trust your instincts when it comes to buying fresh produce and checking expiration dates.
Be safe, members! And make sure you always check the food you’re buying in-store before purchasing it. What are your thoughts on this news? Let us know in the comments below.
That's why it's our priority to make sure we get the most out of our food shopping—this involves carefully reading labels, planning meals, and being mindful of what we buy.
However, not all businesses act responsibly and consider the impact on their customers. Unfortunately, some disregard the factors that affect their customers' well-being.
A recent example of this misconduct involves an IGA branch—East Row, located near the Civic bus interchange in Canberra—which was taken to court due to its harmful and downright unsafe practices.
CCTV vision showed workers removing expiry stickers and replacing them with new, extended dates. Credit: Shutterstock.
The investigations began in 2021 after multiple complaints about the store deliberately selling food past its expiry date piled up. This illegal activity mainly involved dairy products, dips, olives, gherkins, corn relish and soft drinks.
To make matters even worse, when authorities visited the store, they found that the owner had been trying to mask their violations by messing with the date labels. CCTV footage gathered from the store showed staff tampering with the dates.
Authorities also found a four-litre near-empty can of acetone—a substance used to make it easier to remove expiry and best-before dates from packaging—in the store.
ACT Health Protection Services' Environmental Health Officers discovered several concerning issues during an inspection of a store. The store lacked a Food Safety Supervisor, and they were preparing food in an unsanitary and unapproved room.
The area above the premises also lacked essential handwashing facilities and proper cooking, washing, and sanitising equipment, leading to an increased risk of contamination.
Legal action was taken, and Rising Wood Pty Ltd's Director, Abdullah Osman, admitted guilt to nine violations of the ACT Food Act during a court hearing at the ACT Magistrates Court in July. The branch was subsequently fined $16,500.
The store's manager, Javid Osman, also faced consequences and received a fine of $1,000 for obstructing the investigation.
Commenting on the situation, Dr Kerryn Coleman, the ACT Chief Health Officer, said: 'Removing or changing best-before and use-by labels can deceive and mislead the public into making uninformed decisions about the quality and safety of food at the time of purchase.'
'It can also prevent an effective recall of products by the manufacturer in the event of food safety concerns.'
Issuing a stern warning, Dr Coleman also declared that the ruling represents the start of a new chapter in food safety enforcement in the region.
She explained, 'ACT Health has a responsibility to protect public safety and ensure food businesses are operating in a way that does not pose a risk to the health of Canberrans.'
This story serves as a reminder for us to take food safety regulations seriously and to always be cautious about where we're getting our groceries. We strongly suggest you look past the price tag and consider the quality of your food. Also, make sure you check each item carefully and trust your instincts when it comes to buying fresh produce and checking expiration dates.
Be safe, members! And make sure you always check the food you’re buying in-store before purchasing it. What are your thoughts on this news? Let us know in the comments below.
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they might eat 
in their own country not here 
