The mayor of Tshwane, Dr Nasiphi Moya, has announced the closure of a Pick n Pay outlet located at the Blu Valley Centre in Centurion, Gauteng, due to its failure to comply with health regulations. The decision was made following an inspection that revealed concerning hygiene conditions within the store.
In a video shared on the social media platform X, Dr Moya emphasised that businesses of all sizes must adhere to health and safety guidelines, stressing that larger corporations are not exempt from compliance measures.
“We have said that we will not only be chasing spaza shops and small establishments because big establishments also have a responsibility to comply. From those who buy their baked products from Pick n Pay, this is how it is made,”
In the footage, the mayor is seen pointing at cockroaches in baking tins, highlighting the severity of the store’s hygiene issues.
We have shutdown Pick ‘n Pay Blu Valley Centre in Centurion. We found several cockroaches where baking is conducted in store. There’s no compliance with health regulations. #ReASpana @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/VQQOLrzm0n
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) February 21, 2025
While examining the store, Dr Moya expressed her dismay at the state of the establishment, pointing out the presence of filth and an apparent disregard for hygiene requirements.
“Just look at the dirtiness of this. It is not even the worst that we have seen here. The hygiene requirements have been neglected by Pick n Pay at the Blu Valley Mall. We are closing down these establishments.”
She further stated that the store’s trading licence would be revoked, cautioning consumers against purchasing goods from the branch until it met the necessary health standards.
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
Following the closure, Pick n Pay distanced itself from the store’s condition, asserting that it was a franchised outlet and that the situation did not reflect the company’s broader operational standards.
“This particular store is a franchise store, and what was seen was completely unacceptable.”
The company assured the public that swift action was being taken, with senior management arriving at the store within half an hour of being notified.
“Management was on the ground within 30 minutes of being informed. This falls very far from what we expect from our franchisees and store managers, and we have launched a full investigation and audit.”
In addition to launching an internal investigation, Pick n Pay issued an apology to customers affected by the incident. The retailer reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high health and safety standards and stated that corrective measures were underway to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The closure of the Centurion Pick n Pay raises concerns about hygiene standards in food retail outlets and serves as a reminder of the importance of strict health compliance in all businesses, regardless of their size.
