15/02/2012 (Fiji Times) - Unscrupulous food dealers who breach food safety laws face up to five years imprisonment if caught.

This was the warning yesterday from the Ministry of Health as it vowed to crack down on food business operators involved in illegal practices.

A statement from Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma said issues such as inaccurate labelling of vegetable oil, imported rice and imported flour would now be closely monitored by the ministry along with other issues.

"We are concerned that unscrupulous traders are importing palm oil and selling it to the public as vegetable oil," he said.

Dr Sharma said these businesses were required by law to meet the standards stipulated in the Food Safety Act 2003.

He said his ministry was aware of continuing illegal practices and would take the necessary action to ensure they stop.

He said imported rice and broken rice were being mixed and sold at the premium rice price.

"Food businesses dealing with imported rice are cautioned not to contravene the Food Safety Act 2003 and the Food Safety Regulation 2009 by importing premium rice and broken rice and mixing the two and selling at the premium rice price.

The minister also made references to the importation of unfortified flour.

"Recently a trader imported unfortified flour and he stands to be prosecuted for doing so," Dr Sharma said. Penalties for violations of food safety laws carry fines of up to $10,000 or five years imprisonment for individuals or private companies and $50,000 or 10 years imprisonment for corporate companies.