MINISTER of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has warned that businesses found operating outside legal and trade standards will face consequences as government intensifies inspections across the country.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of the closure of a popular Chinese restaurant located at the Corporate Place Food Court in Mbabane. Khumalo said government had recently commissioned a team of inspectors after observing a decline in compliance with legal and trade requirements.
“You will recall that the team of inspectors was commissioned by me only a few weeks ago after we realised that the level of non-conformance to legal and trade standards has dipped everywhere. The team has started working and we will be coming up with visibility in every town in every region. There will be consequences for those found to be in non-compliance,” said the minister.
The restaurant was shut down following a joint operation involving members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), officials from the ministry of commerce, industry and trade, and officers from the ministry of home affairs. Information gathered indicates that the operation was prompted by several complaints lodged with the police by concerned parents and community members.
The complaints alleged that young people were being sold alcoholic beverages with high alcohol content at the establishment. Among the alcoholic products allegedly sold at the restaurant was Erguotou, a traditional distilled liquor originating from Beijing, China. The spirit is known for its high alcohol content, which ranges between 50 and 55%.
Authorities conducting the inspection reportedly discovered large quantities of alcoholic beverages that allegedly failed to meet basic consumer information requirements. Some of the products were found in boxes without manufacturing dates, while others reportedly lacked clear and proper labelling.
The findings raised concerns about compliance with consumer protection requirements and trade regulations governing the sale of products in the country. Khumalo said the inspection exercise would continue nationwide as authorities work to ensure that businesses comply with the law and required standards.
He said the recently established inspection team had already begun its work and would increase its presence in towns across all regions. Investigations into the matter are continuing while the restaurant remains closed.
