Much of the fruit and vegetables on the market is imported from abroad, which means it is transported in chilled containers.

The problem is that while in storage by the importer these are kept at the regulated cold temperature, but once they arrive at the greengrocers, and worse at the numerous peddlers around our streets, these are left to thaw.

Unless consumed within a very short time, these products start to deteriorate with much waste for the consumer.

May I plead with the consumer societies to look into this matter. Greengrocers, static or mobile, must have a “cold counter” in which to display these fast perishable food items. What about the chill-chain as stipulated on perishable products?

Another missing control is the “consume by” date. Many families cannot afford to buy greens on a daily basis but are faced with much molded pro-ducts and thus put off from providing their families the five portions daily as recommended by dieticians. Having said all this, which body or government department is responsible to control the quality of these food items? Canned and packed products are verified on a regular basis, but “fresh” greens do not seem to attract any control.

Could it be that certain importers are seeking quick profits and presenting second-rate goods to the consumers?