Officers from Gqeberha’s border police raided a cookie factory in Korsten on Tuesday and closed its doors due to alleged unhygienic practices.
According to col. Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu said police officers conducted an investigation at the factory at around 11:00 following allegations of possible suspicious activity on the premises.
The owner cooperated with the police and allowed officers to search the premises.
“Although it was found that nothing illegal was taking place on the premises, the police were concerned about the unhygienic and health conditions in the factory,” says Naidu.
“The Department of Environmental Health, as well as the brand agents were immediately contacted. The factory was closed by the relevant authorities under the Food, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972 (regulation 638 of 2018), which sets out hygienic requirements for the handling, transport and storage of food.”
The authorities are conducting a further investigation into the circumstances at the factory.
Maj. Gen. Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata praised the Gqeberha Border Police for their intervention.
“Their actions coincidentally revealed an environmental and health issue while they were following up on information about possible suspicious activity,” says Ncata.
“The officers not only protected the health of the workers at the factory, but also protected the surrounding environment and our wider society from potential dangers.
“Their actions serve as a reminder of the invaluable role the police play in maintaining the safety and welfare of our society.”
