A Pick n Pay branch at the Blu Valley Centre in Centurion, Pretoria, was forced to close after authorities discovered unhygienic conditions and products, including cockroaches in the bakery section.
Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya shut the store after an unscheduled on-site inspection.
PICK N PAY BRANCH SHUTS: COCKROACHES FOUND IN BAKERY
In a video posted on her X account, Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya showed the public her on-site inspection at the Pick n Pay The Reeds in Blu Valley Centre. The visit was part of the city’s requirement to establish whether local businesses had hygienic facilities and observed compliance with fire and health protocols.
The clip saw the mayor reveal shocking conditions in the bakery – which contained dirty equipment and cockroaches running rampant.
She said: “Not only will be chasing spaza shops, but the bigger shops have a responsibility to comply”.
Moya also warned consumers not to shop at the store if they decide to operate illegally.
“The hygiene requirements have been neglected by Pick n Pay. We are closing down this establishment and revoking its license. Please do not buy from them until we announce that they are now complying”, she added.
MORE DISTURBING DISCOVERIES
In a follow-up tweet, the Tshwane mayor revealed that the same Pick n Pay branch had also violated other hygiene regulations.
She said, “It is unlawful to have a storage and changing room for staff members in the same area where food is stored and assembled.” She was referring to a room where employees had kept their shoes amongst fresh produce.
Our Municipal Health Services compliance book came in handy today. We used it to close down Pick n Pay. It is unlawful to have a storage and changing room for staff members in the same area where food is stored and assembled. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/IGqm6KBtyH
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) February 21, 2025
Another video saw “rotten vegetables” being repacked for sale. ‘
The mayor added that they had also discovered pots with food without lids and meat products stored at inappropriate temperatures.
PICK N PAY RESPONDS
Speaking to the South African, Pick n Pay corporate spokesperson Kurt Ferreira said of the city’s findings “This particular store is a franchise store. And what was seen was completely unacceptable. Management were on the ground within 30 minutes of being informed, and a full audit is underway.
He added: “We apologise to our customers at the Reed Store for what happened. We undertake to fix it quickly and ensure there is no recurrence.”
DO YOU SHOP AT PICK N PAY? HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCE CONCERNING CONDITIONS?
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