Malawi: Lilongwe Gin Maker Shut Over Shocking Hygiene Failures - Novus Factory Filthy

The Lilongwe City Council has abruptly closed down Novus Factory in Kanengo, amidst shocking hygiene failures and safety breaches uncovered during a routine health inspection. The factory, which produces bottled gin, was found to have a plethora of violations, prompting the council to shut it down immediately. The inspection revealed wastewater flowing freely through drains, with a foul smell emanating from the plant, confirming that the waste was generated on-site.

Moreover, over 80 workers were operating without proper Personal Protective Equipment, violating occupational health and safety standards. The health inspection also highlighted poor hygiene conditions across the factory, raising fears of waterborne diseases such as cholera, given the facility's role in producing beverages for human consumption.

Consequently, the Lilongwe City Council has closed the factory and will only allow it to reopen once all sanitation, hygiene, and occupational health and safety issues are thoroughly addressed. The council used this closure as a stern warning to all business operators in the city, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with public health, food safety, sanitation, and occupational health and safety standards.

Particularly for businesses involved in food and beverages, the council stressed that they must ensure their products are safe for human consumption. The council has vowed to continue routine inspections across the city, with enforcement actions to follow against businesses failing to meet required health and safety standards.