The Lilongwe City Council has closed Novus Factory which manufactures bottled gin, for being found to be operating under poor sanitation, hygiene and occupational health and safety standards.
According to a statement, during inspection, inspectors observed wastewater flowing freely through drains behind the factory with a strong and offensive smell. The wastewater was coming from the factory.
“More than 80 workers were also found working without proper Personal Protective Equipment, which goes against occupational health and safety requirements. In addition, the general hygiene conditions in the factory were poor and could lead to the spread of waterborne diseases including cholera.
“As a result, the Council has closed the premises. The factory will only be allowed to reopen once all the sanitation, hygiene and occupational health and safety concerns have been addressed,” reads part of the statement
Lilongwe City Council is urging all business operators in the city to comply with public health, food safety, sanitation and occupational health and safety standards. Businesses that produce food and beverages must ensure that their products are safe for human consumption.
“We will continue conducting routine inspections and taking enforcement action against businesses that fail to meet health and safety requirements,” it says
