Baidoa, Somalia — Authorities in Buur Hakaba district of Somalia’s Southwest State on Sunday set fire to a large quantity of expired food items, including rice, flour, and canned goods, in a public display aimed at safeguarding community health and deterring the sale of unsafe products.
The destruction, carried out under the supervision of local administrators and health officials, drew dozens of residents who gathered to watch as the spoiled goods were burned outside the town. Officials said the move followed recent inspections that uncovered the items being stored or sold in small shops and market stalls, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Local traders were warned that the government would intensify market monitoring to prevent the circulation of substandard or expired goods. Residents welcomed the exercise, saying it underscored the administration’s growing focus on consumer protection and public safety in rural areas often overlooked by regulators.
Buur Hakaba, a key commercial hub linking Baidoa and Mogadishu, has seen a surge in imported food products over recent months, some of which are believed to have been smuggled in through informal supply routes. Health workers noted that expired or poorly stored food often contributes to outbreaks of foodborne illness, particularly among children and the elderly.
By publicly destroying the contaminated goods, district leaders hope to send a clear message that profit cannot come at the expense of people’s well-being. The campaign is expected to continue with routine inspections across markets in the Bakool and Bay regions to ensure that only safe, quality food reaches the public.