Kitwe City council shuts down G&G Bakery for health, safety violations

Kitwe City Council has shut down G & G Bakery for alleged serious violations of public health and safety standards.

This action comes after repeated warnings and a series of inspections that revealed gross neglect of health protocols.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Public Relations Manager, Mwaka Nakweti, outlined the reasons for the closure, citing G& G Bakery’s failure to adhere to basic health and safety requirements despite multiple reminders.

>An initial inspection on October 8, 2024, under various regulations including the Food Safety Act No. 7 of 2019, the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2010, and the Public Health Act CAP 295, uncovered alarming violations, according to the council.

These included a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers, inadequate knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices, unsanitary machinery, and insufficient sanitary facilities.

Moreover, officers conducting the inspection were reportedly obstructed from inspecting some areas of the bakery, violating the stipulations of the Food and Safety Act.

Despite receiving a letter on November 12, 2024, outlining corrective actions—such as the provision of PPE, food safety training, and proper cleaning protocols—G&G Bakery failed to comply, Zambia Monitor learnt.

A follow-up inspection on November 20, 2024, confirmed that none of the recommended measures had been implemented, the council claimed.

The council stated the importance of business owners prioritizing the health and safety of customers and employees over profits and urged the public to report any businesses operating under unsafe conditions.

“No one is above the law, and the local authority will continue enforcing health and safety regulations to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all residents,” Nakweti said.

G&G Bakery is one of the largest bread manufacturing companies in the Copperbelt region, with its products reaching as far as Lusaka.

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