Supermarkets and shops are inspected monthly by the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.) not only for prices of products but also their quality as expired products have been found on shelves.

According to the Chief Executive Officer Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling, there are serious penalties under the Ministry of Health Food Act on the business if such a matter is discovered.

Samoa Observer understands that several members of the public have complained about shops and supermarkets selling expired goods.

"The expired goods are categorized under the Ministry of Health's Food Act but when our surveys or visits are carried out by the Ministry's other division which focuses on prices, and they discover such things or we receive complaints, then we work together with the Ministry of Health," Pulotu said.

"We refer these matters to them and the Ministry of Health's policies on this is quite serious. If shop owners violate this, I understand that the business will be in big trouble.

"Especially with the goods because they expire. So all thing to do with food, that's under the Food Act by the Ministry of Health but we do work together with them through our surveys, especially through our surveys where we will record such matters and refer it to the MOH."

Meanwhile, the World Occupational Safety and Health Day commemorated at the Tatte building on Tuesday attended by several businesses and government ministries highlighted the importance of safety and health in working environments.

One of the participants was the Assistant Operations Manager for Frankies Supermarket Group, Meafou Pulemagafa who said the company inspects all goods and products three months before the expiry date.

"Our process on expired goods is that three months before the expiry date, we drop the price for those goods and if in less than two months the quantity still hasn't dropped then we drop it again so that we can clear off those products," she explained.

According to Mrs. Pulemagafa, their expired goods are cleared out two weeks before the expiration dates.

Meanwhile, the presentations by government representatives on policies implementations at the O.S.H. Day was a great lesson and awareness workshop according to Mrs. Pulemagafa.

"It expanded my knowledge on the safety of our workers as well as their health in the working environment, especially with my position, I look after all branches especially the workers' well-being within the company," she said.

"If an employee of ours is in trouble, I am now aware that I can do something first before I reach out to health for a second response."