S.Africa: Lots of Photos: Big Chain of Supermarkets: Serious blow to (((Pick n Pay))) – Health Concerns

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Pick n Pay has been hit with a scandal after one of its prominent stores was closed due to health concerns. The details were published online for all to see.

On Friday, 21 February 2025, the City of Tshwane executive mayor Nasiphi Moya checked the Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay in Centurion to check for compliance.

Obakeng Ramabodu, MMC for Environmental and Agriculture Management, and Kholofelo Morodi, MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, accompanied her.

“As a municipality, we are obligated to check all businesses for compliance. Our visits include checking for hazardous materials, compliance with fire and health protocols,” she said.

The City of Tshwane’s MMC of Health, councillor Blessing Tshego Oratilwe, said the Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay failed dismally.

“Food pots without lids, scattered vegetables, and meat products stored at inappropriate temperatures were observed at Pick ‘n Pay,” Oratilwe said.

Following the inspection, the City of Tshwane announced that they have temporarily closed the Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay in Centurion.

“We have shut down Pick ‘n Pay Blu Valley Centre in Centurion. We found several cockroaches where baking is conducted in-store,” Moya said.

She said there was no compliance with health regulations. “Our Municipal Health Services compliance book came in handy today,” 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.”

Oratilwe added that, as a regulatory body, it is responsible for ensuring that even big businesses adhere to the law.

“The temporary closure of Pick n Pay serves as a reminder that compliance is essential for the safety and well-being of our community,” she said.

“We are committed to upholding the standards that protect our citizens and will work diligently to address any non-compliance issues.”

The Tshwane major said it was important for people who buy food from Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay to know the conditions in which it is prepared.

She said the equipment used to produce baked goods was filthy and that the area had numerous cockroaches.

“At Pick n Pay, a sink that is supposed to be used for washing vegetables isn’t used for that purpose. Rotten vegetables are being repackaged for sale,” she said.

“Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay has neglected their hygiene requirements, and we have revoked their license.”

Pick n Pay reputation problem

The City of Tshwane’s expose has further damaged Pick n Pay’s reputation, which has already suffered in recent years.

Devin Shutte, head of investments at The Robert Group, highlighted that Pick n Pay has underinvested in their business for years.

This underinvestment has caused Pick n Pay to fall behind Checkers and Woolworths Food. Its store formats and look and feel are outdated.

This means that many South Africans have changed their shopping habits and moved to other retailers like Checkers.

It has reached a level where having a Pick n Pay in a shopping centre is seen as a liability instead of an asset.

During its Capital Markets Day presentation, Redefine Properties said that taking back space from Pick n Pay will optimise space in its shopping malls.

Analysts have highlighted that Pick n Pay has been a drag on many shopping malls where it is the anchor tenant as it does not drive as much foot traffic as Checkers.

By taking back space from Pick n Pay, shopping malls will likely increase the rent they receive and add value to shoppers.

Even CEO Sean Summers admitted that South Africans have stopped supporting the retailer and that Pick n Pay has fallen out of love with retail.

The latest blow will reinforce many people’s idea that Pick n Pay is not at the same level as its competitors and should be avoided.

Pick n Pay apologised to its customers and promised to fix the problems at the Blu Valley Pick ‘n Pay quickly.

Pick n Pay added that it will conduct a full audit of the situation and ensure it does not happen again.

Source: https://dailyinvestor.com/retail/79156/serious-blow-to-pick-n-pay/?source=newsletter

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